I had previously stated that US representative Barney Frank would be the individual I will be writing my letter to. This is what I composed:
Dear Barney Frank,
I want to commend you for your contributions to the reformation of marijuana laws and the legal punishments for possesion. These ammendents are inevitable and honestly quite commonsensical. The reformation of marijuana laws is an issue effecting everyone in the country. These laws are detrimental to the advancement as a nation. We, as a nation, are suffering from one of the worst fiscal depressions in the history of our country. If we could start fighting the overwhelming multitrillion dollar financial deficit by reforming mariuana laws and taxing it; we , as a nation, would be remiss to not give it a chance. '
We need to stand up to the all-powerfull drug companies that would lose money if we persued the medicinal applications of marijuana. Let's start saving lives!
Even the agricultural and ecological benefits of the reformation of marijuana laws are undeniable. I am not asking what my country can do for me, I am asking what I can do for my country. I will not sit by silently just assuming that all the problems will go away. I am not afraid and I will let my voice be heard. I will be a part of this revolutionary change and I know you will too.
Respectfully,
Silas Barton
That is what I came up with and hopefully it will be embraced and meditated upon. For all of us.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
How did this happen?
Recently Proposition 19 lost on the ballot in California. Preelection projections suggested that the proposition was going to pass by a large majority. This proposition would have made it legal for anyone 21 or older to grow, possess and use small amounts of marijuana. Marijuana would be held to the same restrictions as alcohol regarding minors and possesion on school grounds. Possesion and culitivation would have reasonable regulations and under federal laws it was all still illegal.
This will certainly sound like a victory to oppostion of the proposition like San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis who was a vehement bellicose front woman fearing marijuanas exposure to children. However, this year the exposure and conversation sparked about the benefits of the legalization of marijuana could not be hushed. People aren't stupid and we all have ears to hear. The elite in charge that are in fear of some loss of profit and a loss to their endowment will not be able to prevent revolutionary progression through education. After the results Thomas Jefferson School of Law professor Alex Kreit optimistically stated, "It has become pretty clear that it’s not a question of if a state is going to legalize marijuana in the near future, it’s just when,”
Nationwide, American citizens crossed their fingers that the projections would hold up for Prop 19. When it did not pass it was only a stepping stone. Mr Kreit reiterated "I would be very surprised if we don't see it on the ballot in one state and probably a handful in 2012, whether one of those states is California remains to be seen." I certainly agree. This was an opportunity to set a precedent and that goal was achieved. Rome wasn't built in a day and this battle has been arguously fought since advocates for the protection of our civil liberties in the 1970's.
In Short, I challenge you; educate yourself ! Look into the ecological, medical and financial benefits of the legalization of marijuana. It is your future. Be a part of solution.
This will certainly sound like a victory to oppostion of the proposition like San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis who was a vehement bellicose front woman fearing marijuanas exposure to children. However, this year the exposure and conversation sparked about the benefits of the legalization of marijuana could not be hushed. People aren't stupid and we all have ears to hear. The elite in charge that are in fear of some loss of profit and a loss to their endowment will not be able to prevent revolutionary progression through education. After the results Thomas Jefferson School of Law professor Alex Kreit optimistically stated, "It has become pretty clear that it’s not a question of if a state is going to legalize marijuana in the near future, it’s just when,”
Nationwide, American citizens crossed their fingers that the projections would hold up for Prop 19. When it did not pass it was only a stepping stone. Mr Kreit reiterated "I would be very surprised if we don't see it on the ballot in one state and probably a handful in 2012, whether one of those states is California remains to be seen." I certainly agree. This was an opportunity to set a precedent and that goal was achieved. Rome wasn't built in a day and this battle has been arguously fought since advocates for the protection of our civil liberties in the 1970's.
In Short, I challenge you; educate yourself ! Look into the ecological, medical and financial benefits of the legalization of marijuana. It is your future. Be a part of solution.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Who ya gonna call? ...... Not the Ghostbusters
When fighting for an issue that could be considered "controversial" it can be difficult to find important people that are willing to advocate and speak up about the issue. These politicians have to be very particular about what they say in public because voters listen. The person I will be sending my letter to is Barney Frank. According to an article in the Herald from 2008, http://www.bostonherald.com/news/national/politics/general/view.bg?articleid=1082344
"Rep. Barney Frank is defending a bill he plans to file this week decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana, saying the federal law unfairly targets those using medical marijuana in California." I also found out that Mr. Frank tried to pass a similar bill in the 1970's. This is definitely the person I am looking to for assistance.
I saw Barney frank on the Tonight show with Jay Leno a few months ago and ironically enough Leno asked him about his stand regarding Proposition19 (legalization and taxation of marijuana). Mr. Frank seemed a bit apprehensive about the question and just said that he felt americans should be able to gamble and drink and even smoke pot. He agreed that it should be taxed.
I did some digging and it turns out that Barney Franks's partner, a Mr. James Ready, was busted for pot in Maine in 2007. This might have fueled some of Barney frank's advocacy towards reforming marijuana laws. Whatever it takes, we are going to have to make something happen.
"Rep. Barney Frank is defending a bill he plans to file this week decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana, saying the federal law unfairly targets those using medical marijuana in California." I also found out that Mr. Frank tried to pass a similar bill in the 1970's. This is definitely the person I am looking to for assistance.
I saw Barney frank on the Tonight show with Jay Leno a few months ago and ironically enough Leno asked him about his stand regarding Proposition19 (legalization and taxation of marijuana). Mr. Frank seemed a bit apprehensive about the question and just said that he felt americans should be able to gamble and drink and even smoke pot. He agreed that it should be taxed.
I did some digging and it turns out that Barney Franks's partner, a Mr. James Ready, was busted for pot in Maine in 2007. This might have fueled some of Barney frank's advocacy towards reforming marijuana laws. Whatever it takes, we are going to have to make something happen.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Prop 19
On the Novevember 2nd ballot in California is Proposition 19. Its called the "Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010." This is the first step in what will be a revolutionary progression in the way people veiw the marijuana plant. It is not a poison and a nuisance. It may be the driving force in the medical advancements of this century. It may be the beginning of the turn-around of or country's fiscal deficit.
According to CNN.com, a recent survey by Public Policy Polling indicates that a majority of California voters support the proposition 47% to 38%. Once the rest of the country becomes aware of financial opportunities that this proposition proposes, we are going to see many more states presenting legislature.
On November 2nd the state of California is finally going to ignite the change that this country has been desperately in need of. I long for the moment that I can cast my vote and be a part of the change>
According to CNN.com, a recent survey by Public Policy Polling indicates that a majority of California voters support the proposition 47% to 38%. Once the rest of the country becomes aware of financial opportunities that this proposition proposes, we are going to see many more states presenting legislature.
On November 2nd the state of California is finally going to ignite the change that this country has been desperately in need of. I long for the moment that I can cast my vote and be a part of the change>
My Translucent Vision
I am still undecided as to what the culmination of my work is going to look like. One vision I have is to set up a cornucopia of information at a couple of tables with utilizing pictures, diagrams, graphs and other aesthetically impactful visual aids. I will have my audience as a whole take a few minutes to walk around and peruse some of the information presented. Then, I will give a presentation explaining some of the ecological and economic benefits. I will also will also touch on a few of the many medical applications. I will infer a feeling of urgency by creating awareness. I would then open the floor to any and all questions. I would hope to interact with everyone, respectfully displaying why the issue is important to them even if they originally felt it was unimportant.
I will be researching uses of marijuana that are good for the earth or "green" as they say. I will research which politicians are supporting and rebuking this isuue, as well as why they are of that position. I will look into projections of the fiscal impact of the legalization and taxation of marijuana. I will find out what voters themselves think about the issue. I want to know which aspect of the issue voters find more important. Is it the earth, the money or the medicine?
As i said, I am still undecided as to what form of media i am going to use for the final project. I am also considering a couple different short videos that could be put on the internet and possibly even putting together a rally. It is still a work in progress and will undoubtably be a work for progress.
I will be researching uses of marijuana that are good for the earth or "green" as they say. I will research which politicians are supporting and rebuking this isuue, as well as why they are of that position. I will look into projections of the fiscal impact of the legalization and taxation of marijuana. I will find out what voters themselves think about the issue. I want to know which aspect of the issue voters find more important. Is it the earth, the money or the medicine?
As i said, I am still undecided as to what form of media i am going to use for the final project. I am also considering a couple different short videos that could be put on the internet and possibly even putting together a rally. It is still a work in progress and will undoubtably be a work for progress.
Another blind skeptic
I was recently forwarde an article entitled "Legal pot in California a big mistake" by Ruben Navarrette from CNN.com http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/10/14/navarrette.pot.prop/index.html?iref=obnetwork
Mr. navarette says the legalization of marijuana is dangerous. He states "It's official. The country's most populous state is nibbling at poison" The opinion of Mr. Navarette is one of bigotry and fear of the unknown. He compares marijuana to achohol and tobacco, which for the record are both significantly more dangerous.
According to Navarrette, alcohol and tobacco are harmful and that is why such high taxes are levied upon them, to discourage people from abusing them. I beg to differ. Alcohol and tobacco are definitely taxed rediculously. However I don't feel that has deterred serious alcoholics from drinking and chain smokers from puffing away. Donate some money to Alcoholics Anonymous or M.A.D.D if you mant to do something about alcoholism. Don't try to tell me that the reason they have these high taxes are because they are trying to discourage people from abusing the substance. That is hogwash. It is a cash cow to the state because they know even if they keep raising taxes people will still allot money to drink or smoke. Don't try to camoflauge the capitolistic GREED to look like you care about people.
The one eye-opening epiphany I drew from Mr. Navarrette's article was that even if, as a country, we can pull together to fight for what is right, it will just be exploited by our government as an opportunity to show it's true colors. The deep, deep green of GREED. I don't know why I would have been so naive to think that we can make a positive change in this country without someone using it as a platform for the propulsion of profit.
Mr. navarette says the legalization of marijuana is dangerous. He states "It's official. The country's most populous state is nibbling at poison" The opinion of Mr. Navarette is one of bigotry and fear of the unknown. He compares marijuana to achohol and tobacco, which for the record are both significantly more dangerous.
According to Navarrette, alcohol and tobacco are harmful and that is why such high taxes are levied upon them, to discourage people from abusing them. I beg to differ. Alcohol and tobacco are definitely taxed rediculously. However I don't feel that has deterred serious alcoholics from drinking and chain smokers from puffing away. Donate some money to Alcoholics Anonymous or M.A.D.D if you mant to do something about alcoholism. Don't try to tell me that the reason they have these high taxes are because they are trying to discourage people from abusing the substance. That is hogwash. It is a cash cow to the state because they know even if they keep raising taxes people will still allot money to drink or smoke. Don't try to camoflauge the capitolistic GREED to look like you care about people.
The one eye-opening epiphany I drew from Mr. Navarrette's article was that even if, as a country, we can pull together to fight for what is right, it will just be exploited by our government as an opportunity to show it's true colors. The deep, deep green of GREED. I don't know why I would have been so naive to think that we can make a positive change in this country without someone using it as a platform for the propulsion of profit.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Recognize!!! If you are not part of the solution , YOU are the PROBLEM!!
The reformation of marijuana laws is an issue that effects you all. All the people saying "I Don't Smoke Pot" with their noses in the air would be able to see the truth in front of them if they opened there eyes and looked back down at reality, at our current situation. We have: a MULTI-TRILLION DOLLAR fiscal deficit, oil prices that can only reflect the greed of the people in control of this precious natural resource, and people dying everyday from ailments that can be treated naturally preventing a majority of the side effects and infections that arise when using the synthetic drugs that are forced on us by greedy, despicable drug companies. This IS A PROBLEM!! I see prophetic images of America resembling that of post world war Germany where Wheel-barrels full of currency can only by a couple loaves of bread. This is a pivotal moment. If the people of this country could have had the audacity to stand up against evil, currupt, vile, greedy drug companies ten years ago, I say, we would not be in the same fiscally besmirched position. Maybe we would still be the powerful, wealthy country we were after the industrial revolution. I hate to feel like it is now or never, however, what if it is!!! Don't just sit there and say it doesn't effect you. IT DOES!!!
How many People die each year from cancers? ........Go ahead google it . I'll wait.
What if we could have saved even 2% of these people through medical advancements utilizing THC and cannaboids. Imagine it was your grandmother who died From Breast Cancer and not mine. How would feel about the people who say, "it doesn't effect me" IT DOES!!!!!!
According to a cnn.com analyst Mr. Navarette, "A recent survey by Public Policy Polling indicates that the majority of California voters support the proposition, called the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010, by 47 percent to 38 percent" http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/10/14/navarrette.pot.prop/index.html?iref=obnetwork
This means that in November we will be witness to the first step in this revolutionary change. I have a feeling Massachusetts as a state will be one of the next states in line to start implementing these tax opportunities.
Bottom line is that the reformation of marijuana laws brings: Assistance in battling or deficit, creating more jobs, green energy, and saving lives.
If you still feel this doesn't effect you, you are lying to yourself. Would you want to be a part of the ignorant few who are trying to insinuate that this change would be great for our country? What do you have against saving lives? What do you have against helping our country out of this financial crisis?
In closing I am telling all of YOU who say that this issue does not effect you, IT DOES!!!!!!
How many People die each year from cancers? ........Go ahead google it . I'll wait.
What if we could have saved even 2% of these people through medical advancements utilizing THC and cannaboids. Imagine it was your grandmother who died From Breast Cancer and not mine. How would feel about the people who say, "it doesn't effect me" IT DOES!!!!!!
According to a cnn.com analyst Mr. Navarette, "A recent survey by Public Policy Polling indicates that the majority of California voters support the proposition, called the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010, by 47 percent to 38 percent" http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/10/14/navarrette.pot.prop/index.html?iref=obnetwork
This means that in November we will be witness to the first step in this revolutionary change. I have a feeling Massachusetts as a state will be one of the next states in line to start implementing these tax opportunities.
Bottom line is that the reformation of marijuana laws brings: Assistance in battling or deficit, creating more jobs, green energy, and saving lives.
If you still feel this doesn't effect you, you are lying to yourself. Would you want to be a part of the ignorant few who are trying to insinuate that this change would be great for our country? What do you have against saving lives? What do you have against helping our country out of this financial crisis?
In closing I am telling all of YOU who say that this issue does not effect you, IT DOES!!!!!!
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