We start with 2 members of the U.S. House of Representatives. 2 gentlemen with views that can only be described as polar opposite, especially in regard to civil rights and marijuana legalization specifically. We look at Congressman Barney Frank, and Congressman Mark Souder.

Congressman Barnett “Barney” Frank

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts’ 4th district

In 1987, Congressman Frank became the second openly gay member of the House of Representatives and is described as “one of the brightest and most energetic defenders of civil rights issues.”

We start with him as he was recently interviewed by Esquire on the legalization of marijuana.

I personally like him for his answer regarding his opinion on how long it will take to see the end of this silly prohibition:

“There’s no point in my guessing. Why would I want to guess? We’ll have a rational discussion, and we’ll see where it goes from there.”

This is a guy that doesn’t play the game based on hopes and dreams. He’s a hard worker and fights for the rights he (and I) believes in.

On a cool side note, Frank has a view on outing gay republicans, on which he commented:

“I think there’s a right to privacy. But the right to privacy should not be a right to hypocrisy. And people who want to demonize other people shouldn’t then be able to go home and close the door and do it themselves.”

See where I’m going with this? It’s safe to assume that Congressman Frank doesn’t much care for hypocrisy. How many people shun and fight for the criminalization of marijuana use, only to go home to toke up themselves?

Congressman Frank is the author of H.R. 2592, an attempt to stop the federal government from intervening with states’ marijuana laws.

All around, this is a guy I want making decisions. He seems to make decisions on policies as they may impact others. You’re gay? That’s cool. You’re a gay guy who further promotes hateful laws? Not so cool.

I can’t write enough on how much this guy has done and continues to do for the American people. Research him. You’ll like him too.

Congressman Mark Souder

Member of the U.s. House of Representatives from Indiana’s 3rd District.

I decided on checking into Congressman Souder as he was of mention in the above interview with Congressman Frank.

A strong supporter of the “War on Drugs” and the author of the ‘Aid Elimination Penalty;’ a provision that suspends federal financial aid eligibility to college students convicted of drug-related offenses.

He feels of the program:

“The Drug-Free Student Loan amendment is designed to discourage drug use among students, as a student who knows that his financial aid could be suspended if he’s convicted of a drug crime will be less likely to use or deal drugs in the first place.

The provision puts in place specific ineligibility periods for various drug-related crimes, leading to indefinite suspension for conviction of multiple dealing or possession crimes. At any time, however, a student can regain eligibility if he or she satisfactorily completes an approved drug rehabilitation program and passes two unannounced drug tests.”

As much as I hate to rely on WikiPedia, they state that:

“The law has affected more than 200,000 students, including 9,000 Indiana students — one in every 200 applicants from that state.”

I found it interesting that he also seems to think that:

“…the destruction in your brain cells, is more like coke or crack than it is like the old time marijuana.”

and

“…a marijuana user is very seldom just a casual marijuana user.”

It’s obvious that Mr. Souder isn’t exactly educated on the subject and allows his own irrational, pre-conceived notions direct his actions.

Congressman Souder was the chairman of the House Government Reform Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources; in which he had authorizing jurisdiction over the White House Office of National Drug Policy. In December of 2006, President Bush signed into law the ONDCP Reauthorization Act which reauthorizes the office of the Drug Czar for five years. Souder wrote and introduced the act.

Make no mistake about it. People of this kind are very dangerous as they make decisions that affect the rest of the country, and he makes them with little regard of that affect. These are the guys that start the problems we, as a nation are forced to deal with.

And The Winner Is…

I’m not going to do that. There will never be a winner or loser (unless one of them actually attacks another in a fight to the death) as these are battles with no ending fight. Even once marijuana is legalized, there will still be people who persecute others. There will always be holes in laws and injustices done against the citizens of this country.

So, no winners or losers. Just glances are both sides of the fight.

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I give to you my open letter to our politicians requesting a real discussion.

If you aren’t living in Florida you’re lucky enough to be in a state that isn’t so far behind the times that you often wonder if the rest of the country even takes you seriously (”CHADS” anyone?).

We have some of the harshest laws in regard to marijuana use and possession and it’s mostly thanks too the politicians in our state.

The Laws

In Florida, possessing anything over 20 grams is a felony. Admittedly, I am not too sure how much that is in regard to amount of smokeable substance, but I did okay in Math and Science, and the hair on my head weighs more than 20 grams (I’m bald).

House Bill 173

During the 2008 Legislative Session, a law sponsored by Senator Steve Oelrich from Gainseville and Representative Nick Thompson from Ft. Myers was passed as House Bill 173. It was officially signed into law by Governor Charlie Crist soon after.

Now, to be fair the law targets the cultivation of 25 or more plants with the intention of distribution. 25 plants is a lot (at least to me) if you’re talking personal use. That being said, it does carry a felony charge and jail time.

I don’t have as much of a problem with the law itself because I know we will eventually fight through it (you can indeed cure stupid, it just takes time). The problem I have is a lot of the reasoning behind the law provided by Rep. Thompson and Senator Oelrich. The usual mis-information and poor logic.

So, though I think 25 plants is a lot for personal use, it does show that these are the guys that make decisions. And from them, I want real answers. More specifically, because Charlie Crist signed it into law, I really want answers from him.So I sent the questions to him via email.

Give Them To Me

What I want are real answers. No double talk, no political speak, no dodging/deflecting, etc. Just real answers as to why such a law was created which pulls us further from the future. I want real answers to the followup points. I direct my letter to Governor Crist specifically, but if anyone would like to take part in the discussion, I would be more than happy to open it to them as well.

I wouldn’t mind doing so via email, which would allow for time to think about answers and questions as the conversation grows.

My Expectations

Admittedly, I am not well educated in the realm of politics. I’m not sure if I’m even barking up the appropriate tree. I can’t actually tell you the difference between a governor and a senator. But, I am a resident of Florida and more importantly America. I have opinions on a matter that I feel is important enough to warrant attention. I have kids that I would like to raise in an America not governed by fear or ignorance. I’m just a regular guy who wants answers.

So, I would be amazed if I get a response. I would be blown away if he actually agrees to answer questions. I am 100% sure that I won’t actually get any real answers. I would really love to hear them, but I’ve been lucky (unfortunate) enough to deal with this state before, and the odds of something coming from this are very low.

However, I hope that this will at least get others to think about these things when voting time comes. I hope that perhaps somewhere there is a politician that can help lead Florida to a better position.

No offense to Governor Crist, but maybe we can get someone into office who thinks for the future with an educated stance as opposed to the perpetuation of mis-information.

If anyon in the anti-legalization crowd is interested in taking part in this discussion, please feel free to do so.

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And I really don’t understand that.

I see all these debates on Youtube, and read the many ‘back-and-forths’ in the tons of articles I get throughout the week, but they all contain the same information, and end in the same manner. Nobody has an answer to my question; is there a good reason to keep marijuana illegal?

Every time we see an article on this topic, we see the same questions. We then usually see the same responses. Then we see an answer to that response, but that’s it. It never seems to go any further. Why not?

Following are a few examples of common arguments, the responses and the lack of answers.

Marijuana Is Dangerous

You often hear how dangerous marijuana is from the government. They usually have “studies” to prove this as well. The problem is, the pro-legalization crowd answers with a dissection of those studies and where they fault. Then, we share our own studies that show the exact opposite of their claim.

Sometimes we even see the conversation move towards the governments own FDA-approved drug; Marinol. Marinol is basically Marijuana, but you don’t smoke it. Seriously, that’s the difference. Same amounts of THC and all.

Then there is silence. I never see the government respond to this fact. I never hear them try to explain themselves.

Buying Marijuana Contributes To National Crime

Another argument the government seems to get all hushy about is the fact that buying/selling marijuana contributes to crime. The picture they like to paint is that if you buy marijuana, you are providing money to people that fight for their black market share. These people kill others over money, etc.

The problem we have with this is the fact that the prohibition of marijuana is what causes the crime, not the use. We usually respond that “if marijuana were legal and regulated in much the same way alcohol is, then there wouldn’t be such a black market.” And this is true. There were a ton of violent crimes commited in conjunction to alcohol distribution during its prohibition. But you don’t hear many stories like that anymore. Why? Because the government stepped in and regulated it, and there was no need for a black market.

Again, silence. I want to hear someone talk on that point, without any double talking or attempts at word-play. Just answer that. If prohibition has created crime in the past, and was alleviated by the legalization of alcohol; and prohibition is causing the crime now, then what say you?

Marijuana Is A Gateway Drug

We hear this one time and time again. Marijuana is a gateway drug, and if you smoke weed for a while, you will want to try other drugs.

The thing about this claim is that I haven’t seen a study, even of the fake sort that would back this claim up. It reaks of Anslinger’s fear tactics.

However, we have a different view. In 1995 marijuana use took up around 77% of all illicit drug users in America. 77%. That’s the number of people that use marijuana, but not other drugs (not including alcohol or tobacco). So, out of all the drug users in America, 23% of them are using drugs other than marijuana. Hmmm….doesn’t quite sound like a gateway drug to me.

Also keep in mind that the number of marijuana users has, and will continue to climb among adults. The use among kids and teens has been on the decline. So, it would seem that marijuana is indeed NOT a gateway drug.

I never hear them respond to that. Even in the video I mentioned in another post, that same fact was posed to FBI Director Robert Mueller, with no response (other than the goofy “dammit I’m stuck” look on his face).

Marijuana Users Entering Into Treatment Are On The Rise

This one is true, but with a twist. The government likes to tell you that around 62% of the teens in drug treatment centers are there because of marijuana.

What we like to say is “well, yeah. That’s the choice I would make too.” You see, when you get busted for minor possession, sometimes you get “lucky” and the judge will tell you that you can serve time, or you can go to a treatment center for your “problem.” What would you pick? This is becoming more common with the amount of officials that have a vested interest in filling such facilities (commissions for doing so).

It appears that prohibition again is the culprit. But again, we don’t hear what the government has to say about that.

This Isn’t Just The Government

The real problem is that this isn’t just the government spitting propoganda, it’s the whole country. Every time you get into a discussion with someone about this, they too are left with little to no answers. This is because they are only repeating what they heard in school. Unfortunately, the government has a monopoly on that front as well.

So, I ask you. Do you believe everything you hear? If you use some of these reasons as to why marijuana should be illegal, can you answer my rebuttals? If so, please do so. These questions are burning inside, and I think they are what fuels the pro-legalization crowd.

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Mr. Mueller had only the same, tired excuses with him; but Congressman Cohen was prepared.

Check it for yourself:

I went to Congressman Cohen’s website in an attempt to tell him how impressed I was with his message and that I appreciate his help in the fight, but was unable to actually send the message as the site seems to crap out on me. So, I will share my message to him here in hopes that someone will get it to him.

Congressman Steve Cohen,

I selected the topic of “education” from the options of this message as I feel it applies to what I have to say.

And what I have to say is, thank you.

I have recently become very interested in the topic of marijuana, and more specifically its prohibition. I just watched a video of your discussion with FBI Director Robert Mueller on YouTube, and I am impressed, sir.

Thank you for becoming educated on a topic yourself, and standing up for what is truth and fact rather than baseless, illogical belief. And thank you for pressing the matter in such a setting.

As a non-smoker, and a child who effectively lost a father to addiction, I fully understand and believe (because of actual scientific proof) that marijuana is far less dangerous than the majority of other drugs; including alcohol. It is the mis-use that is dangerous (which could be said for scissors) and the prohibition that causes a hostile environment by creating and perpetuating an underground market.

I wish with very much conviction that you would move to Florida. No offense to our elected officials, but they don’t see things as I do.

So as worthless as it may be in the real world, you will forever have my make believe vote.

Thank you again,
Josh Garner

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I can’t say how incredibly impressed I was with this documentary. John touches on so many aspects of the uses of marijuana, and the reasons it is not legal.

Sure, most of it is the same stuff you hear all the time, but it’s a very convenient package with visuals to go along with the information.

From the description:

Filmmaker John Holowach directs this fascinating documentary about the causes and effects of the war on drugs. It also delves into the little-known politics and economics behind the battle and exposes the broken lives and casualties left behind. Holowach examines the infamous drug rehab program Straight, Inc., the fight against pain medicine misuse, the history of the marijuana legalization movement and more.

I do believe I will be giving this DVD to friends and loved ones. Hopefully, regardless of their personal decision on marijuana use, it will help even one of them to understand the harmless nature of marijuana, and the rights we should have to partake in it as we responisble adults see fit.

You can see it on Netflix (they have it streaming at the moment), or you can buy it from Amazon. It doesn’t seem to be available via Hulu.com, but I’m sure there are other ways to view this movie. However you attain it, I really suggest watching it; whether you are a veteran of the real war on drugs (that of its prohibition), or a relative rookie like myself.

Just get it.

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Just a bunch of lazy potheads that want to get stoned and not get in trouble. That’s how the whole country would be if we legalized it.

I’m not going to attack all the horribly wrong and misinformed parts of that statement, but I do want to talk about the weird stereotype, and how it has a negative impact on the movement as a whole.

As with every topic in life, a few bad apples spoil the something or other. I’ll share a couple of my ideas on how we can solve some of the perception problems on our end.

We Only See Pictures of The losers

Well, this has a topic of discussion all by itself. What makes a “loser” in the visual sense? Does he look goofy, with his hair frazzled and tongue sticking out?

My point is, you can’t judge a person by their look anymore. Really, you shouldn’t have been able to do so for some time now, but I’m a kid of recent years and I take no responsibility for the sins of my father. Too many times have we seen “punk kids” run companies to record breaking success and become, and maintain, status as leaders of thought.

So I agree that the goofy kid you see at Hempfest, wearing little more than shorts and the dreads that God gave him might not fit into the crowd you hang with; and that’s cool. But he just might be the next innovator of our time. So let his actions/words speak, not his nipple rings (seriously though, doesn’t that hurt?).

Solution:
I’m an old spirit, and carry a lot of old-fashioned views myself. If you want to make headway in fighting for the legalization of marijuana (or any area requiring that you propose an idea to others), try to carry yourself with regard and respect for others. If you see me when I’m not on the clock, you would think I just left prison. At family events, I clean up a bit. At work, I’m shaven and pressed.

If you are going to put yourself in front of someone arguing the legalization of marijuana, don’t give them another reason to fight, there are plenty of those already.

The Stoners on T.V. Can’t Even Hold a Conversation

Unfortunately, this one I agree with. There are tons of videos on YouTube containing the opinions and facts shared by very respectable people. Completely coherent and relevant conversations taking place with people that really know their stuff, and show it. Which ones are sent to my inbox? The ones with a guy so lit up he can barely answer a question posed.

This is compounded when an interviewer realizes the state of mind of the interviewee, and pounces on an unsuspecting pothead who believed he was going to spread the truth and end this fight once and for all.

You have to remember that you are playing in their arena, and for so long as marijuana is illegal it is their game. It wouldn’t be difficult to find videos of completely clean and sober people who can’t hold it together to speak their mind coherently, but that’s not what makes the cut. The media loves to prove their point, and if they can really hit it home by demeaning someone else, they will do so.

Solution:
Put the bong away for a bit before you go on T.V. We are fighting for the legalization of marijuana as used by responsible adults, are we not? Would you go onto an interview drunk? I hope not. Present yourself while your mind is sound and ready to ward off the teeth of some news anchor looking to make a name for himself.

Look At All the Criminals In Jail

They are taxing our society both morally and financially. This statement, in a black and white sense, is 100% true. All those potheads in jail are killing our personal piggy banks and when they come out, they are no better than they were when they went in. You know why?

Because they weren’t “bad” when they went to jail in the first place.

People are going to jail in record numbers because of minor “offenses.” In our society, jail is synonymous with “bad guy.” Well, wouldn’t it make sense to make a virtually harmless drug legal so those people aren’t going to jail; costing you and me a ton of money, and actually producing criminals from otherwise law-abiding citizens? I think so.

Solution:
No easy way around this one. Gonna have to play things safe. It starts with you. Keep quiet about your recreation until it’s time to speak. Don’t share the location of your crop until you can sell it via the Internet. All in all, don’t go to jail.

I know this is a hard one but we seem to live in a world of mediums right now. Some of us are going to jail, some of us are speaking and protesting and some of us sit lazily watching reruns of ‘Threes a Company.’ Instead, we should live in a world of extremes (not physically, vocally).

Let’s be mindful that what we are doing is still illegal, and try not to brag about our farm to that pretty girl (who always seems to be the daughter of a DEA agent). And when it’s time to vote or make our voice heard, let’s make sure they hear it in China.

All The Potheads I Know Don’t Amount To Anything

With the number of people who use marijuana, it’s not hard to find a group of people that smoke pot, and are relatively unsuccessful. You can say the same thing about Honda Civic owners. All the Honda Civic owners I know don’t make a lot of money. What about, hair? All the people I know with hair on their heads are lower-class. See where I’m going with this?

This is more of a social discussion and relies heavily on your environment. What if you asked the same questions of someone who often consorts with upper class people. They would say “all the people I know with hair on their heads are wealthy.”

There are simply too many people that smoke marijuana to lump them into a single group.

Solution:
Be successful. Well, that’s not really fair. I don’t really have a solution that you can use on a personal level, but use the argument above as a base for conversation. If that doesn’t work, send your opposer to this list of 10 Successful Potheads.

They will likely say “well those people are the exception to the rule.” There’s isn’t much you can do to combat ignorance. You can either attempt to explain that a large group of people use marijuana and there are going to naturally be social divides, or you can tell them to wait until it’s illegal and they find that all their “successful” friends have been toking up all along.

Anyway, these are my 14 cents (inflation). My boss is looking at me real funny like, so I have to get to work now.

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