Opinions - need some help: "Message to Obama: decriminalizing marijuana is a bad idea"

[LostAndFound]

I'm not entirely sure if I'm posting this in the correct thread--mainly because I'm going to ask for info and opinions, but--will contact mod.

OK, this article is posted here: w w w . christianmirror . net / article / world / us / 262 / (sorry-had to space out link because I don't have 50 posts--working on it though!)
I want to do an "intelligent" response to it, (NOT that I expect anything-but it can't hurt to try!!). I've also decided to write an article concerning both the decriminalization of MJ and Medical marijuana. This will be both for my own blog as well as to be published on a "news" website.
I've been going through SOME of the THOUSANDS of posts on this site and could really use some help trying to find some specific things. Basically I need links to the original articles in medical journals for ANYthing regarding MJ, cannabinoids, studies, research and medical statements--ie: the ACP giving their tentative stamp of approval for MMJ last year<month?>. I also have a study on the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids published last June.
Swimmers can either reply to this or PM me.
Thanks all and I promise to update those of you who know my "friend" who has posted in other forums but has been absent for awhile. My friend has been going through a lot, medically, and hasn't been around for awhile. She MAY have some exciting, (for her anyways ), news to share in the coming week regarding her pain situation and access to adequate and appropriate medical care!
Feels good 2 B back!!
almost "found"

[Waffa]

I post your article http://www.christianmirror.net/article/world/us/262/ here, so it would be more easy for other posters to reply



Commentary by James L. Lambert
Esquire magazine recently reported in a story by John H. Richardson

(www.esquire.com/the-side/richardson-report/obama-marijuana-legalization-) that representatives from Obama’s administration team admit there will be strong consideration given by the President elect to decriminalize marijuana, by the end of his tenure in office. These remarks follow comments given last summer by Rep. Barney Frank who introduced HR 5843 (Library of Congress - 04/17/08), an act to remove federal penalties for the use of marijuana by ‘responsible adults.’ Frank “doesn’t think it’s the government’s business to tell you how to spend your leisure time.” (CNNpolitics.com 7/30/08)

What gives the Esquire article additional credence is a taped interview of Obama, from January 2004, where then US Senate candidate Barack Obama, expressed interest in decriminalizing the (personal) use of pot. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQr9ezr8UeA )

As someone who is very much aware of how this drug has harmed so many people from my generation, I adamantly disagree with this ‘floating’ proposal. The DEA (Drug Enforce-ment Agency) lists marijuana as “a schedule 1 controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse.” (CNNPolitics.com 7/30/08) How could any responsible representative from President Obama’s administrative team send such a message to millions of young Americans?

Anyone who knows anything about drug abuse, knows that marijuana is considered to be a ‘gateway’ drug. It is irresponsible for members of the incoming administration to ‘float’ this idea. Although I’m sure that many supporters of medical marijuana would disagree. Perhaps they should reconsider. Presently there are over 50 head shops in San Francisco that are front stores for marijuana distribution in the city. According to Fox News Channel’s the O’Reilly Factor, these shops not only attract petty crime but other non-desirable activity also.

Many people are first exposed to the dark world of narcotics by a few puffs of this so-called innocent marijuana cigarette. Marijuana desensitizes people.

The everyday use of marijuana makes people lazy and unproductive. It has been the gateway drug of choice for many users and abusers. It is addictive … I have personally see this substance harm friends whom I have attended school with in the past. Perhaps that’s why I am so upset that such considera-tion would be given.

Still, Congressman Frank got the support from seven other Democrat House members in sponsoring his legislation. Included in that group was Rep. Barbara Lee from District 9 (Berkeley and Oakland). By decriminalizing marijuana, Rep. Lee, a member of the House ‘black caucus’, made light of the recreational use of a drug that is destroying the lives of hundreds of her own constituents.

If Lee wants to be responsible, she should target the drug dealers in her own community who are irreparably damaging the lives of untold numbers of people from her own California district. Instead, Congresswoman Lee says that present (drug enforcement) laws are “inhumane” and “immoral”.

Similarly, if the President elect wants to act responsibly, he should immediately issue a retraction of this ‘floating’ proposal by his advisors.
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Now i will try to think about this article, look the youtube video, read the obama link & reply later on

Waffa added 25 Minutes and 34 Seconds later...

First at all, you must understand, this is religious debate for him and he has no facts or knowledge towards cannabis use or harm. none whatsoever. Also he has not a lot of knowledge what Obama team is doing - he just wants to spread this old story "marijuana is bad mmmkay".

Second of all, just to show how out of touch he is - did you ever listen what Obama told on hes video ? he says "We need to re-think our marijuana laws" & "I am not someone who supports decriminalizing marijuana" & if this is not enough: from this same youtube link he give, you can get to the video like that: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4njJAUshRg - is he so out that he even did not notice that? where they say clearly,in easy to understand English basic things about marijuana harm (of course not the whole truth but just this should be good for starters).

Then he gos total retardation and says something like "Anyone who knows anything about drug abuse, knows that marijuana is considered to be a ‘gateway’ drug" - where the hell did he pull out this one? Anyone who DOES know, anything about drugs, knows marijuana is NOT gateway drug. WAY more we can link cigarettes and alcohol to be gateway because i am sore, these 2 are used most of the time before people use marijuana.

There is way to many links in Internet about it, and some really good ones in this forum.

and wtf is "By decriminalizing marijuana, Rep. Lee, a member of the House ‘black caucus’, made light of the recreational use of a drug that is destroying the lives of hundreds of her own constituents" - this guy is just a joke, i am sore most 8 crade students can win any debate whit him. There are way better arguents against mariuana but he is unable to bring out any of this, sorry.


Did he ever bother to look this:

http:// change . gov /page/content/20081211_openforquestions

"Will you consider legalizing marijuana so that the government can regulate it, tax it, put age limits on it, and create millions of new jobs and create a billion dollar industry right here in the U.S.?"
Response:
"President-elect Obama is not in favor of the legalization of marijuana.
Transition Team, Washington, D.C."


Pinocchio would not be surprised,if he (james) would be so retarded and will start to quote next something like that: http://obama-mccain.info/compare-oba...-marijuana.php

[Lunar Loops]

Don't hold your breath on Obama changing anything Waffa, the best you can possibly hope for is better legislation regarding medical mj. He and his office have been making more conservative noises since his win.

If you are looking for information Lostandfound (and welcome back by the way and I hope your condition continues to improve) search the file archive with the words medical marijuana and you will find a wealth of information.

There is no problem looking for opinions in this forum so long as they relate to drug policy reform and narco politics, so you are ok to go here.

[DeathCell]

Why are so many people so ignorant in blind to see the real truth right in front of them..

[Waffa]

Originally Posted by Lunar Loops

Don't hold your breath on Obama changing anything Waffa, the best you can possibly hope for is better legislation regarding medical mj. He and his office have been making more conservative noises since his win

Well, yes this is what i basically was tring to say that i haven't seen Obama favoring marijuana in past he was just talking about rethinking the laws, usual smokers will still get screwed probabaly long time lol .)