Common sense emerging on drug enforcement
“Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. directed federal prosecutors Monday to back away from pursuing cases against medical marijuana patients, signaling a broad policy shift that drug reform advocates interpret as the first step toward legalization of the drug.
The government’s top lawyer said that in 14 states with some provisions for medical marijuana use, federal prosecutors should focus only on cases involving higher-level drug traffickers, money launderers or people who use the state laws as a cover.
The Justice Department’s action came days after the Senate’s second-highest-ranking Democrat introduced a bill that would eradicate a two-decade-old sentencing disparity for people caught with cocaine in rock form instead of powder form. Taken together, experts say, the moves represent an approach favored by President Obama and Vice President Biden to put new emphasis on violent crime and the sale of illicit drugs to children. Legislation that would cover a third administration commitment, to support federal funding of needle exchanges, is moving through the House.”
That’s all good news. Using federal law enforcement personnel, federal prosecutors and the federal corrections system to target small-scale marijuana use is a waste of resources better deployed on more important matters. With the notable exception of interstate and international trafficking, the enforcement of marijuana laws can safely be left to state and local officials.
The sentencing disparity for crack possession vs. coke possession, on the other hand, represents a longterm failure of nerve on the part of Congress. Under current law dating back to 1986,, possession of five grams of crack cocaine brings you an automatic five-year minimum sentence in the federal pen. In contrast, it would take 500 grams of cocaine in powder form to earn you that same mandatory sentence.
Recognizing the unfairness, the U.S. Sentencing Commission has been recommending a change of that law since 1995, but until now Congress hasn’t been able to work up the political courage to cast that vote. Maybe that’s changing.
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262 comments Add your comment
Bosch
October 20th, 2009
3:09 pm
Drugs should be made legal. Simple.
Angry Black Man
October 20th, 2009
3:13 pm
Just don’t bring your drugs thru my office. We have a zero tolerance policy.
Paul
October 20th, 2009
3:17 pm
Time to repost my mispost:
“With the CIA investigation, the Administration’s position is the Attorney General has a responsibility to follow the law.
With this case, the AG has discretion to not follow the law.”
Fact is, prosecutors have discretion. To say they ‘must follow the law’ is inaccurate and a dodge.
BTW – I agree with the gist of the article.
stands for decibels
October 20th, 2009
3:17 pm
from Jay’s WaPo piece he’s linked
Rep. Lamar Smith (Tex.), the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, said the Justice Department guidelines “fly in the face of Supreme Court precedent and undermine federal laws that prohibit the distribution and use of marijuana.”
He added: “We cannot hope to eradicate the drug trade if we do not first address the cash cow for most drug-trafficking organizations — marijuana.”
If someone actually believes drug trade can be “eradicated”, is that person a naif or simply a moron?
Paul
October 20th, 2009
3:19 pm
sdb
Neither. He’s a politician who wants to get reelected.
@@
October 20th, 2009
3:22 pm
I don’t know nuttin’ ’bout no drugs.
federal prosecutors should focus only on cases involving higher-level drug traffickers, money launderers or people who use the state laws as a cover.
Good luck with that last one tho. I’ll predict an onslaught of prescriptions that’ll have to be run down.
Turd Ferguson
October 20th, 2009
3:22 pm
Dismantle the DEA or roll it into The ATF. Nixon first established the DEA in 1972, Im thinking. Think of all the wasted Billions that couldve gone into Wars, Poverty, Legalized Drug Sales, Immigration, Abortion etc.
Its time we faced facts and one of the most glaring is Drugs will never be stopped. Anyone with any sense can enter most any bar anytime and within same night get high! The Genie is out of the bottle.
“I was gonna wash my car
but then I got high…”
@@
October 20th, 2009
3:23 pm
Helloooooo paragraph closer.
Paul
October 20th, 2009
3:25 pm
So…. any bets on the next laws the AG will exercise discretion on not enforcing?
And which laws he’ll say he has no choice but to follow the law?
(Hint: if it involves the Bush Administration, CIA, loud music, making people feel uncomfortable….), he has no choice.
If it involves racial discrimination, voter intimidation… your guess is as good as anybody’s.
stands for decibels
October 20th, 2009
3:26 pm
Paul, good point.
I guess that the “naïf or moron” question should’ve been asked of those who vote for such a politician.
Paul
October 20th, 2009
3:29 pm
sfd
LOLOL!
Jimmy62
October 20th, 2009
3:30 pm
It seems to me that a good majority of the under 50 crowd in this country would be cool with legalizing pot at least for medicinal purposes. So what is keeping some politicians from making a real issue out of it? Probably fear of losing donations from older citizens (the ones with money). They should instead fear the results of jailing millions of people for non-violent crimes that have less affect than a couple of bottles of completely legal beer.
Our drug laws are an albatross around the neck of freedom. It’s one of the most disfunctional parts of our government, and, like the growing entitlement mentality of many of our citizens (and politicians), a serious threat to our future as a viable country.
@@
October 20th, 2009
3:31 pm
Paul, it do set a bad precedent….YESSIREEEEEE.
Jimmy62
October 20th, 2009
3:35 pm
After doing some research, I am now comfortable that Obama is within the bounds of his office when he decides to deprioritize the enforcement of certain laws (like letting militant black dudes with baseball bats standing outside polling stations intimidating voters), even if not always with which laws he chooses to enforce.
That said, I’d really like to see him use his influence with the supermajority his party has to change some of these laws.
From a conservative standpoint, this is a good thing. States’ rights and all. Despite efforts to establish the opposite narrative, I think you’ll find most moderate conservatives as well as pretty much all libertarians are against the drug war, at least the way in which it is currently being prosecuted. Conservatives are not the enemy, entrenched interests, and the millions of police and other folk that make a living off the drug war are the enemy here.
Joan
October 20th, 2009
3:35 pm
Aren’t those celebrities dying regularly of prescribed medications? Well, I suppose if idiots want to burn up their brains, then God bless–let them go for it. But Jay, aren’t you and Cynthia checking on who gets to write the story? You both have done the same one–again.
DeKalb Conservative
October 20th, 2009
3:37 pm
What is unique here is that the federal government is relinquishing control over something, thus making the federal government smaller.
I think this should be a state issue, until something interstate has occurred (ex. pot grown in CA is shipped to GA). If the drug is grown in CA, sold in CA and consumed in CA, then it’s a state CA decision.
Turd Ferguson
October 20th, 2009
3:41 pm
Anyone for some Medical Cocaine?
Paul
October 20th, 2009
3:41 pm
Joan
I don’t have any problem with them doing the same theme. Different bloggers go to different sites. This gives them the chance to see opinions of a wide swath of citizens.
Scooter
October 20th, 2009
3:45 pm
but until now Congress hasn’t been able to work up the political courage to cast that vote. Maybe that’s changing.
Would someone mind telling me why it would take political courage to vote on a drug law? Thanks in advance!
JohnD
October 20th, 2009
3:45 pm
I just wish they’d nail that hillbilly-heroin popping GOP blowhard Limbaugh for all his illegal drug use.
After all he threatened his housekeeper with deportation if she didn’t buy them for him.. Can we add extortion, tax evasion and hiring an illegal alien charges to the indictment?
Jimmy62
October 20th, 2009
3:50 pm
Why is Rush being a pill-popper any of our business? Has Rush gotten on pills and broken in to anyone’s house and killed their family? Has he gotten on pills and stolen money? Rush committed a non-violent crime that should not be a crime and that hurt no one. Just like the who knows how many young black men spending half their lives in jail for smoking a little pot or crack or whatever, and should be out raising their children and working jobs and buying stuff and not simply soaking up taxpayer dollars in jail while providing jobs for low education white people to be prison guards.
Paul
October 20th, 2009
3:50 pm
JohnD
“hillbilly-heroin popping GOP blowhard”
A bit of stereotyping prejudice present, eh?
Angry Black Man
October 20th, 2009
3:52 pm
Scooter
I guess for some, it would be an admission of guilt?
jconservative
October 20th, 2009
4:00 pm
Jay …”the enforcement of marijuana laws can safely be left to state and local officials.”
I agree with Jay & some of my fellow bloggers – some issues are better left to the States.
The “War on Drugs”. Boy have we ever got our butts kicked on this one.
Scooter
October 20th, 2009
4:02 pm
guess for some, it would be an admission of guilt?
I hadn’t thought about it that way ABM.
Brad Steel
October 20th, 2009
4:02 pm
The ridiculous republican get-tough-on-crime legislation is finally getting exposed as the massive blunder it has been.
Reagan’s war on drugs was horribly ill-conceived by a bunch of nerdy oblivious law-and-order morons. Another failed republican promoted and marketed war has done little other than over crowd prisons with non-violent drug offenders and give pot-heads blights on their records.
The money spent at the DEA would have been much better spent at the SEC.
Angry Black Man
October 20th, 2009
4:04 pm
Scooter
Either that, or they forsee an end to the re-election contributions with a vote to reform drug laws.
josef nix
October 20th, 2009
4:05 pm
PAUL
“hillbilly-heroin popping GOP blowhard”
A bit of stereotyping prejudice present, eh?
You beat me to it!
JohnD, Cape Giradeau is on the Mississippi River in southeastern Missouri, a good distance from either Appalachia or the Ozarks…
AmVet
October 20th, 2009
4:07 pm
A Reagan/Meese production:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM_vLk1I6G4
Angry Black Man
October 20th, 2009
4:09 pm
Mt. Dew or Sundrop is the choice for hillbillies.
josef nix
October 20th, 2009
4:10 pm
Let’s see, didn’t Ima Gonna defend the AG defense of DOMA as “required,” but now we get this on drugs…Hmmm…
But as for the decriminilization, didn’t we learn anything at all with Prohibition?
Mrs. Godzilla
October 20th, 2009
4:12 pm
The law allows me to make enough alcohol for personal consumption.
I’d like to see the same thing for cannibis.
Scooter
October 20th, 2009
4:13 pm
ABM
I guess that’s a “follow the money” thing as usual>
josef nix
October 20th, 2009
4:14 pm
ABM–and which Mountain Dew would that be, the one dispensed from the soft drink machine or the one the Revenoors go lookin’ fer…
BTW, John D. My mother’s side is Hillbilly and d*mnded proud of it. That’s out name for ourselves and I’ll thank you to remember that you may be stepping on some toes that, well, let’s just say, would hardly fit your bigoted stereotype…
josef nix
October 20th, 2009
4:15 pm
Mrs G–@ 4:12
It makes sense…
Angry Black Man
October 20th, 2009
4:19 pm
The homebrewed Dew of course
Angry Black Man
October 20th, 2009
4:21 pm
Scooter
Anything that has to do with Congress or Congressperson generally involves money at some point.
josef nix
October 20th, 2009
4:23 pm
ABM–
I know where you’re from! “…stranger ain’t come down from Rocky Top, reckon he never will…”
@@
October 20th, 2009
4:25 pm
STRATFOR — Eurozone finance ministers met in Luxembourg on Oct. 19 and expressed their concern about the weak U.S. dollar, which must be strong for European export prices to be competitive. As long as the euro is rising against the dollar, continuing economic recovery in the eurozone is at risk. All of this likely will come to a head Nov. 6-7 when G-20 finance ministers and central bankers meet for a summit in Fife, Scotland.
Any discussion coming from Germany’s Merkle should be interesting. She IS NOT pleased with Obama’s handling of our economy.
Another weight and sea for Obama.
Disgusted
October 20th, 2009
4:26 pm
Fine with me. If you’re into grass, you can smoke so much of it that you’ll want to eat a ten-pound hamburger and 50 bags of snacks. It won’t bother me until you decide to get on the road under the influence. That’s where I draw the line.
getalife
October 20th, 2009
4:28 pm
There is an app for that.
I’m hungry
Taxpayer
October 20th, 2009
4:29 pm
“
hillbilly-heroinOxy popping GOP blowhard”There. Perhaps there will less objection on technical grounds now.
Gawingnut
October 20th, 2009
4:32 pm
Mrs. Godzilla
October 20th, 2009
4:12 pm
The law allows me to make enough alcohol for personal consumption.
I’d like to see the same thing for cannibis.
I would, too. But I do believe there is a federal limit (200 gallons/annually) on the home brew you can make for yourself.
Bullseye
October 20th, 2009
4:32 pm
A long read, but worthwhile.
http://www.drugwarrant.com/articles/why-is-marijuana-illegal/
josef nix
October 20th, 2009
4:34 pm
Taxpayer–”blessed are the peacemakers!”
Now if you want to call him an Oxy popping GOP blowhard lard a** ignoramus…I’ll go for that…
Disgusted–behind the wheel of a car is where I draw the line, too.
@@
October 20th, 2009
4:37 pm
‘Ya know, I can almost believe that Pakistan will come around quicker than Afghanistan. The militants are attacking schools now — two girls’ schools and one law school for men.
STRATFOR — However, going after soft targets and especially youths in Pakistan will likely further alienate the population, and strengthen resolve and consensus to pursue and neutralize these militants.
Can we send in more drones now?
Mrs. Godzilla
October 20th, 2009
4:37 pm
GAwingnut
that’s a lot more brew than my poor irish kidneys could handle in a year….
(irish kidneys – 200 gallons in 400 gallons out)
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm!
October 20th, 2009
4:37 pm
I think liberals should be able to smoke all the dope they want.
It isn’t like they can kill any brain cells or something like that.
@@
October 20th, 2009
4:44 pm
For argument’s sake, I have to ask.
In the event that say…some guy has a bogus prescription for medical marijuana (one that law enforcement failed to catch) and that guy is driving under the influence and kills someone. Could the government (as a co-”dependent”) be held liable for the death?
I could see them as guilty of negligence in a lot of ways, but in ^^^ that case?
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm!
October 20th, 2009
4:46 pm
Mr. Obama will fly to New York on Tuesday for a lavish Democratic Party fund-raising dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for about 200 big donors. Each donor is paying the legal maximum of $30,400 and is allowed to take a date.
And hey, if you don’t like it, grab a damn mop! As Obama said just last week at . . . uh, another lavish Democratic Party fund-raiser.-Taranto, WSJ
Meanwhile, in Afghanistan…..
Dusty
October 20th, 2009
4:48 pm
Where’s getalife? I thought he would be happy about this.
Common sense on drug enforcement? This administration? When they don’t know how many billions it takes to make a trillion? Where’s their common sense?
I’m wondering what they smoke in Washington. And Obama admitted he was still having trouble breaking a smoking habit?
Ours’s is not to question why. Ours is but to do and die (with socialized medicine and a bit of hemlock). Might as well throw in marijuana for those who have to have a little prop in life and can’t manage otherwise.
thomas
October 20th, 2009
4:49 pm
So ae we picking and choosing now what laws we are going to enforce?
I thought we heard all this about torture is against the law… blah blah blah….. but then there is a law that some do not agree with and poof! it is okay now to pick and choose when and why we enforce or investigate some laws but not others.
Hmmmmm, interesting.
Paul
October 20th, 2009
4:50 pm
Taxpayer 4:29
Limbaugh took a lot of self righteous condemnation from his political enemies over oxycontin. His problem did lead to a lot of publicity and it was subsequently shown the manufacturer played down the dangers and it was more of a problem then previously thought.
But, perhaps not surprisingly, there weren’t many expressions of understanding from the normally sympathetic and understanding progressives.
Probably because of he’s not a progessive.
Funny thing, as I was typing this a friend called with a diagnosis and a recommendation for oxycontin. He referenced (without any prompting from me) what we’d found from the Limbaugh episode and he said he’s going to try to gut it through with Aleve.
Paul
October 20th, 2009
4:52 pm
Mrs. Godzilla
[[hat’s a lot more brew than my poor irish kidneys could handle in a year…]]
Hey! I thought you were a Svenksa?!!?
thomas
October 20th, 2009
4:53 pm
BTW let me clarify,
All non-lethal drugs should be legal in my opinion. But I have always said there is a time to follow the rule of law and a time not to. But some only see it fit to ignore the rule of law when our new president and his staff choose to.
Always have said weed should be taxed, along with other non-lethal drugs.
But I guess that wouldn’t tax only the evil rich, as some poor smoe pot as well.
josef nix
October 20th, 2009
4:53 pm
thomas–glad you’re here. Left you an apology at 6:54 this a.m.
Dusty–hey! Fan me, Prissy, I just cain’t cope! Where are my smelling salts! Don’t worry, getalife’s here, Being taciturn. Must have a batch of mud bugs workin’
@@
October 20th, 2009
5:00 pm
STRATFOR — Iran demanded Oct. 20 that France not participate in the talks on Tehran’s nuclear weapons program, claiming that Paris has not honored past agreements with the Islamic republic. The delay is just one of several that Iran has been storing up to use during the negotiations, but comes at a time when Western patience with Iranian obfuscation is wearing thin.
I can’t be certain, but I think the last paragraph was delivered with tongue in cheek. If not, I’m gonna slip it in anyway.
Rumors are circulating in Washington that a revised National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iran’s nuclear program based on new intelligence gleaned from Iranian defectors…
Hmmmmm…mmm…mmm…Barack Hussein Obama!!?!!
Dusty
October 20th, 2009
5:01 pm
Oh, the soft side of Americans. If somebody wants something illegal, make it legal. The drug lords realize that and the cartels are thriving. Medical!! What a joke..
Sorry, but I don’t think this is good for anybody but the above mentioned. Tell your children it is legal. Yeah, go ahead and feel good about it. You wanted it. Now you are getting it. So will they, the new generation of drugged Americans.
thomas
October 20th, 2009
5:02 pm
Josef, saw the apology.
Thanks much, was never my intention to be accussed of the things I was by many yesterday. Seemed as if many were quick to rush to a judgment about my judgement of others. From my experience that is the case with many of the attacking types here.
I answwered your request because in my humble opinion though I may disagree with you at times you are fair and consistant.
And yes I would say I am a lil too much into others business. Can’t help it, like I said just one of those odd things that has became part of the daily trip now. Weird! But I can’t stop doing it.
Today man bought gorilla tape and razors, and….. whipped cream. I hope he is not going to assault anyone and then make them eat sweets.
AmVet
October 20th, 2009
5:04 pm
Marijuana, just another of the nearly endless number of topics the conned are absolutely clueless about…
thomas
October 20th, 2009
5:05 pm
How tired am I sorry to any who have read my horrible spelling today.
So sorry!
DoggoneGA
October 20th, 2009
5:06 pm
“All non-lethal drugs should be legal in my opinion”
There’s no such thing. ALL “drugs” can be lethal, to the right person and/or in the right amount.
Kamchak
October 20th, 2009
5:07 pm
BTW, John D. My mother’s side is Hillbilly and d*mnded proud of it. That’s out name for ourselves and I’ll thank you to remember that you may be stepping on some toes that, well, let’s just say, would hardly fit your bigoted stereotype…
josef You are just wearing the wrong shoes
@@
October 20th, 2009
5:11 pm
Dusty:
Sorry, but I don’t think this is good for anybody but the above mentioned. Tell your children it is legal. Yeah, go ahead and feel good about it. You wanted it. Now you are getting it. So will they, the new generation of drugged Americans.
I share your opinion. I’ve often wondered how many of these posters roll their own at home. Kids aren’t as stoopid as many assume them to be. It’s a rare kid who can torch ‘em on a regular basis and still maintain good grades.
Dusty
October 20th, 2009
5:11 pm
JOSEF!!
Smelling salts? I”ve got on my boxing gloves. These namby pambies are the wet noodles of America. Next up, Washington is going to be the New Amsterdam
We need a new Davy Crocket! A new Dan Boone who “killed a bar” without a bit of marijuana. A pox on the pusilanimous, the new correct canabisies!!
PS…I read the statistics on your students and they sound great. Amazing what a great teacher can do. Anyway, congrats (and I hope you get a raise)!!!_
Pogo
October 20th, 2009
5:15 pm
I am a conservative that would like to see cannabis (sativa or indica, name your poison) legalized. Too many have been jailed because of a substance that is one hell of a lot less destructive than alcohol. Law enforcement and politicians have built empires on this cannabis thing and it has cost us taxpayers too much money for all the court cases, detentions and to keep the helicopters flying every Fall to detect the “gardens”. Legalize it and tax it. This would prevent a lot of the crime that is now coming from South of the border that is happening in American streets. Ultimately, I predict legalizing it would also reduce the use of the drug. I was involved in almost every aspect of the cannabis thing many, many years ago and I chose to quit for my own personal reasons. But if people want to partake of a substance which, by almost all intelligent peoples measure would have a lot less socialogical impact than alcohol, then legalize it. The drug war can never be won because as long as people want drugs, there will be someone out there that will supply them and all drugs are not created equally. Anyone that has ever used marijuana knows that cannabis is not on the same level as heroin and cocaine. Cannabis should not be lumped into the same Federal Schedule (Schedule I) as these drugs. I agree with some of the others here on the driving though; DUI is DUI whether it be cannabis, alchohol or any other intoxicant. If they do it, make them pay.
On the Limbaugh thing I say, “Let those without sin be the first to throw the stone”. I feel quite certain there won’t be many stone throwers on here. Critisize him for his politics or his rudeness or whatever, but don’t critisize him for his human weaknesses. Drug abuse, depression or any other psychological disorder can happen to almost anyone. If you think not, then you are fooling yourself.
@@
October 20th, 2009
5:17 pm
AmVet:
Marijuana, just another of the nearly endless number of topics the conned are absolutely clueless about…
Ooohhhh, I don’t know, AmVet….I’m not clueless to its potential damage. Lost a sister to the long term effects. When the doobie didn’t do it for her anymore, she went on to harder drugs. They killed her.
And please……don’t everyone come in and tell me how heartbroken you are to hear about it. Save the crocodile tears for someone with a hankerin’.
Matilda
October 20th, 2009
5:23 pm
Pogo, are you talking about the same Rush Limbaugh who, for years, blasted our drug-addicted homeless war Veterans as trash, offering no empathy or leniencey whatsoever, and said they belong “under the jail?” I don’t think anyone cares whether that man was or is an addict. (I certainly don’t.) The problem is the throwing stones while living in a glass house thing.
BTW, if y’all have any police officer friends, ask them when was the last time they had to physically fight to take down a drunk person, restrain him, and/or pull their weapons or tasers on him to get him under control. (They’ll say uh, today and every day.) Then ask when they had to do that to a person who was only on pot.
DoggoneGA
October 20th, 2009
5:24 pm
“Ooohhhh, I don’t know, AmVet….I’m not clueless to its potential damage. Lost a sister to the long term effects. When the doobie didn’t do it for her anymore, she went on to harder drugs. They killed her”
I’m sorry about your sister, but by that logic we should ban low-alcohol beer…because someone might start with that, go to higher alcohol beer, then on to hard liquor…and then die from that.
The “slippery slope” argument is probably one of the weakest arguments that can be used.
I have a friend who died from taking Tylenol…should we ban acetominophan? And yes, there is at least one organization whose goal is just that.
GreenJeans
October 20th, 2009
5:26 pm
“It won’t bother me until you decide to get on the road under the influence. That’s where I draw the line.”
AMEN.
Ain’t nothing like getting stuck behind some skeeve-head who’s going 40 in a 65.
Matilda
October 20th, 2009
5:27 pm
“When the doobie didn’t do it for her anymore, she went on to harder drugs.”
Some people are happy with an ice cream cone once a week or so on a summer afternoon. Some people eat a gallon of mocha fudge ripple every two days, late at night, after the spouse has gone to sleep, and then DIE from clogged arteries, diabetes, or other complications of obesity. That ain’t Ben & Jerry’s fault. JUST sayin’.
Dusty
October 20th, 2009
5:28 pm
@@,
You see more children than I do. My own are “grown”. I value your opinion. I think you and josef are great teachers. I suspect that love and knowledge are the secret for good teachers.
Anyway, our children were taught at home about drugs. They may have tried marijuana but it is certainly no part of their lives now. They are not interested in wasting any part of their time or money on drugs. I would wish that all Americans would .realize what goes with drugs and their precursors.
thomas
October 20th, 2009
5:29 pm
doggone,
I somehow knew you would disagree with something I wrote.
And since you are such a smarty pants today….every single substance on the planet can be fatal if too much is ingested, absorbed or inhaled. So not just drugs, all things, even water.
What is meant by non-lethal was those drugs that during normal use do not have an element of overdose. Like pot, have you ever met or heard of anyone who has overdosed and died from pot? I have not and I somehow think I have been around a few more smokers than you. If you were around more smokers and people of a relaxed enviroment you most likely wouldn’t be such an ass.
Taxpayer
October 20th, 2009
5:33 pm
I share your opinion. I’ve often wondered how many of these posters roll their own at home. Kids aren’t as stoopid as many assume them to be. It’s a rare kid who can torch ‘em on a regular basis and still maintain good grades.
My dad rolled his own. He held the paper in one hand and sprinkled out just the right amount of tobacco and then closed up the can of Prince Albert while simultaneously rolling the cigarette, licking the edge of the paper and sealing it off just in time to light it up with the strike anywhere match that was already blazing in the other hand. The entire process was over in less than a minute and the cigarette was well on its way to delivering a satisfying puff of nicotine laced smoke into the lungs. Ahhh, the good old days. Of course, he also grew it, picked it, and hung it up to cure in a rickety old wood shed.
@@
October 20th, 2009
5:33 pm
DANG! I think someone at SeeBS just called Obama a half-writ.
It will be interesting to see, one administration from now, whether Monday’s policy shift sticks where it is or floats back in the opposite direction. That’s the way it is with these “policy” announcements; they are only as good as the writ of the officials who draft them. Like so many other half-measures performed by the Obama White House since it took office, this tweaking of Justice Department policy sounds more permanent and pervasive than it really is. It is not a sea-change as much as it is a sea-breeze.
For both sides, really, the only way to settle the matter is to lobby the Congress to make meaningful changes to the federal statutory scheme that currently criminalizes the drug. That would be a more permanent and less malleable course—and far less politically convenient. If and when that day comes, we can talk about how the country has moved one step closer to the legalization of marijuana. Until then, you legitimate medical marijuana users out there can take solace in the fact that even though your president evidently won’t expend political capital pushing to reform pot laws he also won’t be pushing his lawyers to put you in jail, either.
Smoke ‘em while you got ‘em. Compliments of Obama’s economic shortfalls.
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/10/19/courtwatch/entry5398260.shtml
josef nix
October 20th, 2009
5:34 pm
K’chak–heh, heh. Wasn’t sure you were here and was going to post that I had my brogans on!
thomas–thanks for the kind words. Fair and consistent, eh? Does that mean I can go to Fox News? I don’t think they’d care much for me though..that cart does make you wonder, though, doesn’t it?
Davy Crockett–ever read his speech in Congress in opposition to Andy Jackson’s Indian policies? The man was a wordsmith of the highest calibre. He made a career in Texas defending cases of free people of color, particularly women, who were being threatened with enslavement…he’s on of my heroes!
Thanks for the vote of confidence on teaching. I needed it looking over THESE papers from today! Conversion of fractions to decimals was not high on their list of priorities and the Dred Scott Decision was not on their radar. Limericks, though, caught their fancy and since I’ve got SOME I could recite for them, the exercise in writing their own was rewarding!
DoggoneGA
October 20th, 2009
5:35 pm
“I somehow knew you would disagree with something I wrote.”
When why did you bother to answer. The issue is not “non-lethal” or not. It’s DEFINING what is “non-lethal.” I saw a show on drugs and they said that if aspirin was discovered “yesterday” instead of how-ever-many-year-ago it would be a class 3 (might have the class wrong) regulated substance.
thomas
October 20th, 2009
5:35 pm
Taxpayer,
Homegrown tobacco, can give you WAAAAAY more of a high and buzz than regular weed…. even some mid grade…..
I hung out with a country farmer or 2 and they don’t mind getting f**ked up.
Just thought I would add.
Paul
October 20th, 2009
5:37 pm
Off Topic
Palin’s going on Oprah Nov 16.
http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/tv-zone-1.811968/oprah-goes-rogue-invites-palin-on-show-1.1535028/7.810409?view=blogPostComments
Geee, I wonder if they’ll talk about the treatment of political minorities?
Normal
October 20th, 2009
5:37 pm
Good Evening folks,
I figured the Pirate museum might be a future employment op for me. Got both knees in braces…ARRGH, I be Peg Legs Normal…
Had lots of time on my hands and got to thinking about my major gripe with this administration, and thinkin’ how I won’t vote for “Imagonna”
again if he doesn’t show some progress on the Troops coming home and DADT. Said I ain’t votin’ fer ‘im agin..and with that, come 2012, this might be his song…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngZh6ZSRoYg
thomas
October 20th, 2009
5:38 pm
I stand by non-lethal means…. little to no chance of overdose from regular use.
What is remotely hard to understand about that, unless you just want to argue?
regular use- the amount expected to be used by the average user.
Cause I just knew that would be coming next.
@@
October 20th, 2009
5:38 pm
Yeah, Taxpayer, but did THOSE cigarettes impair his judgment?
jay, I’ve got a comment held up in moderation. Time stamped at 5:33.
The term used is half-writ, not half-wit.
Taxpayer
October 20th, 2009
5:43 pm
Yeah, Taxpayer, but did THOSE cigarettes impair his judgment?
Damn straight. He died of lung cancer. But, he was seeing clearly on his death bed. He made me promise to quit smoking. I did. Not right away but I finally did.
DoggoneGA
October 20th, 2009
5:43 pm
“I stand by non-lethal means…. little to no chance of overdose from regular use.
What is remotely hard to understand about that, unless you just want to argue?”
Sure, let’s argue. It’s not a good enough definition, that’s why. It leaves too many variables not answered. Just like the aspirin, or Tylenol issues. Those would be “non-lethal” by YOUR definition. My friend who died within 30 minutes of taking Tylenol might take issue with it, if she was able.
Here’s what it boils down to: under YOUR definition…how many deaths would it take before YOU would decide a drug should be changed from “non-lethal” to dangerous?
If one of your family members died from a normal dose, YOUR answer might be 1.
thomas
October 20th, 2009
5:44 pm
Joseph,
I hate to give you bad news but from your politcal perspective I fear Fox would only allow you on as a Guest to add a differing perspective.
Normal
October 20th, 2009
5:46 pm
Perhaps this President Obama’s theme song now…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riFR_UxRwaQ
josef nix
October 20th, 2009
5:48 pm
Taxpayer–my magical leprachaun of the hedge school Uncle Ralph grew and cured and rolled his own, too! During the Depression he bartered tobacco for other stuff. He also taught us about distilling and our science projects were sure to win a blue ribbon! He also brewed his own beer and made his own wines from the grapes he planted himself…his theory was that if you wanted to indulge in vice, then put the work into producing it yourself…and yes when it came time to have “that talk” about the evil drug marijuana, we boys got a lecture on what kind of soil would produce the highest THC content!
thomas
October 20th, 2009
5:52 pm
Doggone,
was your friend allergic to Tylenol?
If not why did it kill her in under 30 min.?
Now if I take more than the recommended dosage……. you know the reugular amount……. death may occur, without an allergy nothing should happen.
under my definition I would assume that there should be around 2% of people who use the regular/recommended amounts of the drug then in turn die it should be moved. An exact nmber would not be fair for me to give since different amounts of people use different drugs.
But I do not allow my personal feeling about a subject to cloud my judgement either, so sorry wouldn’t matter if it was a family member or not.
But points for trying to pull on my heart strings!
Again what was the medical cause for your friend to be dead less than 30 min. after taking aspirin, and did she take the suggested amount?
DoggoneGA
October 20th, 2009
5:55 pm
“we boys got a lecture on what kind of soil would produce the highest THC content”
You’re beginning to make me think of the song “Copperhead Road”!
@@
October 20th, 2009
5:56 pm
Not to pick on you thomas, but I can think of two guys with whom my daughter attended high school. One a talented musician, the other a promising athlete. Both began using pot in their sophomore year. Their use escalated ten-fold. They both suffered psychotic breaks shortly after graduating.
The musician? He is in and out of a psychiatric facility. Will never be normal again.
The other? Murdered a relative during a psychotic episode. Wouldn’t stay on his meds.
One more. A friend (deaf) began abusing. Had a psychotic break and still struggles with occasional bouts of paranoia — creating all sorts of problems for him on the job.
Schizophrenia Linked To Dysfunction In Molecular Brain Pathway Activated By Marijuana
One can never know if he/she is predisposed. With the administration’s recent “revelation” we’re likely to find out. Maybe his decision was based on health care reform.
A bit cynical? I have good reason to be.
““““““““““““““`
Taxpayer:
Hard way to learn a lesson. Congratulations on kicking your habit.
DoggoneGA
October 20th, 2009
6:00 pm
“was your friend allergic to Tylenol?”
Not that I know of
“If not why did it kill her in under 30 min.?”
see this: http://www.salem-news.com/articles/july032009/tylenol_death_pl_7-3-09.php – there are lots more on the net.
“Now if I take more than the recommended dosage……. you know the reugular amount……. death may occur, without an allergy nothing should happen.”
She was taking a prescription level dose.
“under my definition I would assume that there should be around 2% of people who use the regular/recommended amounts of the drug then in turn die it should be moved. An exact nmber would not be fair for me to give since different amounts of people use different drugs.”
so you would be willing to let 2% of your loved ones die before you’d agitate to have a drug reclassified?
“But I do not allow my personal feeling about a subject to cloud my judgement either, so sorry wouldn’t matter if it was a family member or not.”
I never cared about the Vietnam War either, until a much-loved cousin was killed there. He wasn’t even old enough to legally vote…but he was old enough to die.
But points for trying to pull on my heart strings!
Again what was the medical cause for your friend to be dead less than 30 min. after taking aspirin, and did she take the suggested amount?
DoggoneGA
October 20th, 2009
6:01 pm
Sorry, missed this one: “Again what was the medical cause for your friend to be dead less than 30 min. after taking aspirin, and did she take the suggested amount?”
She dies of acute liver failure.
Kamchak
October 20th, 2009
6:02 pm
OXFORD, Mississippi (CNN) — The average potency of marijuana, which has risen steadily for three decades, has exceeded 10 percent for the first time, the U. S. government will report on Thursday.
Scientists working for the government predict that potency, as measured by the drug’s concentration of the psychoactive ingredient THC, will continue to rise.
At the University of Mississippi’s Potency Monitoring Project, where thousands of samples of seized marijuana are tested every year, project director Mahmoud ElSohly said some samples have THC levels exceeding 30 percent.
Average THC concentrations will continue to climb before leveling off at 15 percent or 16 percent in five to 10 years, ElSohly predicted.
I was visiting California in the summer of 2003 when the medical mary jane issue was being hotly debated there. I remember a county sheriff bring up the point that the weed on the street was not the “ditch weed” of 60’s-80’s which was estimated at 1-2%. The weed at that time (2003) he estimated was 6-8%.
For those of you that haven’t partaken in a few years–the stuff out there today is almost debilitating. Instead of the euphoria and giggles, modern weed has the effect of robbing the user of concentration and motivation.
josef nix
October 20th, 2009
6:02 pm
Normal–hate to say I told you so, but I told you so!
Ein bischen Hillbillymusik fur dich…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z60bm_r9wMg&feature=related
Normal
October 20th, 2009
6:03 pm
I seem to remember a couple years back, they were saying if you took Tylenol, you shouldn’t drink. Said it caused rapid damage to your liver or one of those organs…
every mothers son
October 20th, 2009
6:04 pm
Nix…
“hillbilly-heroin popping GOP blowhard”
A bit of stereotyping prejudice present, eh?
You beat me to it!
“Now if you want to call him an Oxy popping GOP blowhard lard a** ignoramus…I’ll go for that…”
Straddling that old fence day after day must be hard on the roids?
Still strad
md
October 20th, 2009
6:04 pm
Don’t care one way or the other, but legalization only shifts the problems, won’t sovle many. An increase in tax revenue to help pay for an increase in abuse, etc, etc.
@@
October 20th, 2009
6:06 pm
Well this is a first.
Doggone, Kamchak, Dusty and I are all in the same camp on this issue?
md
October 20th, 2009
6:08 pm
“modern weed has the effect of robbing the user of concentration and motivation.”
I had antique stuff that pretty much did the same.
@@
October 20th, 2009
6:08 pm
OUCH, Normal!!!
I seem to remember a couple years back, they were saying if you took Tylenol, you shouldn’t drink. Said it caused rapid damage to your liver or one of those organs…
You’re on your own.