I've been called an idiot.

At some time or other you will make a post on a news story, and some one will not agree with your post. The sad part is they will openly call you an idiot. This tells me that they have a difficult time finding a reasonable thought on their own.

What brought this about you ask? It had to do with the shooting of a convenience store clerk during a robbery. The robber didn't just take the money and run, he shot the clerk in the head. His picture is pretty clear on the video. And I have read that the suspect is in custody. I hope the clerk survives and I hope he isn't going to suffer if he survives.

Now, here's my post that justified a closed mind the right to claim I'm an idiot.

Just think of the billions of dollars spent every year in promoting the failed prohibition laws that persecute, prosecute, and incarcerate non-violent cannabis (commonly referred to as marijuana) users under the claim of protecting the people from themselves.
Sorry, I don't need or want anyone to protect me from myself to that extent, this is overstepping the boundaries of your moral responsibility to the people. Your obligation as far as I'm concerned is to make recommendations or suggestions.
What we need and want is a police force and justice system that protects us from violent people who show no remorse in taking the lives of others. The money wasted on this failed policy would go along way towards putting a stop to these acts of violence.
The DEA claims that cannabis (marijuana) has a high potential of abuse, well so does alcohol and firearms. People aren't treated as criminals until after they injure or kill someone abusing alcohol and firearms.
So how can we continue to claim to have a fair system of justice?

Billion of dollars can go a long way towards HIRING MORE POLICE OFFICERS AND PAYING THEM BETTER. Changing perspectives of our failed prohibition policies would also make ROOM IN THE JAILS FOR THESE VIOLENT CRIMINALS and maybe they will stay there long enough to serve their full sentence without parole.

I was kind enough to politely inform him that I didn't read any competent or reasonable solutions to help stop this type of violence from him or any other commenter on that news story. Now I'm not a genius, and I only have a high school diploma to show for 13 years of school. But, I do try to have an open mind and look at things in a different light.

Any way, thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed it.

BTW, I been called worse and I'm still alive and kicking, I tend to let ignorance roll off.

The DEA and redeploying their services.

The Drug Enforcement Agency (commonly known as DEA) we have an unknown number of people employed by this government agency. They are suppose to be working for the people, not working for someone elses idea of what people should be. They are there and have been responsible for the defamation of character of so many good people with their continued effort to control the concept of what is acceptable. What is acceptable is of a personal nature and is up to the individual to discover for themselves. We are essentially different in all aspects of our lives. From our personal beliefs and opinions, desires and needs, and science has proven we are different in how we each react with what we consume.

So, we have to look at the products (alcohol, over the counter and prescription drugs) our government has claimed the responsibility of approving as the legal options for all the people. By claiming these products as the only legal options they are in fact stating these items are the right choice for everyone. Well, considering the amount of damages, number of deaths, the health problems, and social issues associated with them, you don't have to be a genius to see these aren't the right choices for some of the people. So I have to wonder how it's right to use threats of fines and/or incarceration in an attempt to intimidate people into believing cannabis is wrong for everyone to consume. There has been no known evidence it's wrong for all the people, just that it's the wrong for some people. Apparently this little fact is difficult for some to comprehend.

I know some people will not like this concept, but it's time to change our perspective and tactics.
So on with the decriminalizing of the illicit drugs as they are called by our government, who we employ.

Now to redeploy our employees to be of better use to the government and people of this nation. First, they are already in place so there won't be a need to relocate anyone or put more people in the unemployment line, we are just changing the status of their employment by focusing it in a different direction. Second, the direction is to save valuable revenue and to acquire more revenue in an acceptable fashion that doesn't dig into the taxpayers pockets that are stretched to their limits already.

This starts with those at the borders, they will continue to search for smuggled products. These officers will also be in charge of collecting the tariffs on the drugs coming in, if the drug cartels want to continue sending the drugs that are so profitable to them into the USA they have to pay a tariff this will cover the expenses of rehab clinics. Now we all know there will be those who attempt to smuggle drugs, they get one chance to declare them after that if they are found to be smuggling well all I can say is they've lost their drugs to the DEA who in turn have a list of people authorized to sell drugs in the USA. These retailers collect taxes but they are also able to bid on confiscated drugs.

There should be two levels of retailers one for cannabis, and another for cocaine and meth. With all the cocaine and meth coming into the states from Mexico these agents will need to conduct test for quality. The cocaine and meth being the primary concern for testing, but because of some questionable practices in the drug trade they should conduct testing on cannabis also. Me, personally I don't want my cannabis laced with anything, but I don't want people consuming poison that may kill them either. (I can't fathom why anyone would want to consume coke or meth, I just know some people are more susceptible to using them than other people are.)  We do know enough about the harsher drugs and in testing the quality should be able to verify that they are in fact a safer form of poison.

As for the cannabis, again authorized retailers the same as with alcohol. One, there are people too lazy to grow their own and they would rather pay for it. You don't have to have a permit to make your own alcohol so don't expect me to pay for the right of growing my own. Two, it will be an additional tax base for the communities that are strapped for money. Three, it will stop the wasting of money in our courts, which can be used to raise the salaries of our officers. Plus saving space in the jails for the more dangerous and violent criminals.


And yes, common sense will tell you that people will abuse these drugs, look at the history of mankind we can't seem to stop our abusing nature. The amount of abuse will not be known for a few years but, I'm betting that by changing perspectives of drug abuse there will be less of it, along with more responsible users. People like choices and they really prefer to discover for themselves what is right for themselves individually. What's right for some the people isn't always right for all the people. Just remember more people die a year from eating peanuts than they do from consuming cannabis.

A Reading worth remembering.

Crime vs Common Sense
It seems crime is winning over basic common sense. This should be a wake up call to the legislators. Violent crime should be the priority of our laws first. In other words our citizenship should be defined by how we treat others in our communities, or whether we have the morals to accept responsibility for the damages and deaths caused by our actions and decisions.

Not the math I was taught.

I read an article the other day that 45 million people in the US has a form of mental illness that wasn't treated last year. It stated we have an estimated 220 million citizens in the U.S.A.
Then I read  another article where the DEA reports that 95% of the population doesn't use drugs. 

Then I read this story.

 http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/647164.html

I don't see how that's possible it's not the math I was taught in school.

 

US Launch of "Cannabis Policy: Moving Beyond Stalemate" | Stop the Drug War (DRCNet)

US Launch of "Cannabis Policy: Moving Beyond Stalemate" | Stop the Drug War (DRCNet)

Seems some people might consider opening their closed minds and get a little reading to improve their education.

Marijuana - Drugs of Abuse and Related Topics - NIDA

Marijuana - Drugs of Abuse and Related Topics - NIDA

The statistics claim abused once in a year but make no mention as to how often they used in a year.

My question: If it is used once a year is that abusing it?

The day the feds killed U.S. citizens | KansasCity.com Prime Buzz

The day the feds killed U.S. citizens | KansasCity.com Prime Buzz

 The lengths our government will go to enforce their opinion of what's right.

Subsidi-Farm Granted USDA Contract to Develop Seedless Pot | GlossyNews.com

Subsidi-Farm Granted USDA Contract to Develop Seedless Pot | GlossyNews.com

After reading this I get the impression that the government will legalize marijuana but their genetically altered products will be the only legal option for citizens.

hemp

hemp 

This has some interesting amount of history which I consider a very educational reading requirement.

I have an idea that if industrial cannabis is relegalized that a lot of economical and environmental issuses can be solved.

Years ago Arkansas passed a bill to allow for the legalized study of industrial cannabis (HEMP). Some have suspected it would make a good rotation crop for farmers, which I tend to agree with. But, I also believe it can be a renewable and viable source of fuel for the farmers, bringing them to a more self sufficiency. Giving them the advantage of being able to go green and getting additional tax breaks for organic farming.
The idea is to raise a crop, harvest and convert to an ethonal fuel for use in the farm equipment, I have also read that it is suspected of being able to clean the soil of pollutants we as so called superior beings have posioned our world with.

No Child Left Behind - ED.gov

No Child Left Behind - ED.gov

I went here to try a discover the purpose of this act. It has opened a door for me to question a few concepts about our education system and the laws of the people.

1) Who has the right to take responsibility of deciding what is acceptable to learn?
2) Can our government deny people the ability to learn?
3) Should people be required to get a permit to learn about something even though others don't approve of it?
4) Can the government morally treat people like criminals for trying to disprove suspected rumors?

The DEA position on marijuana

The DEA position on marijuana


1) The claim in this article could be considered true to some extent, the only problem with this is the FDA REFUSES TO GRANT ANY STUDIES TO CONFIRM OR DENY  THE MEDICINAL VALUE of smoked marijuana.

2) Apparently the FDA DOES NOT READ THE WARNINGS OF THE MEDICINES THEY APPROVE as safe for human consumption.

3) And it's apparent they don't watch tv's that carry commercials for the approved medications, BECAUSE IF THEY DID THEY WOULD HEAR ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS THAT ARE MORE DANGEROUS AND DEADLY THAN THE HEALTH PROBLEM WE ARE SUPPOSE TO BE TAKING THOSE MEDICATIONS FOR. 

HAVE YOU OR A LOVED ONE TAKEN (INSERT APPROVED DRUG HERE) YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION, THIS (SO CALLED MEDICATION) HAS BEEN FOUND TO CAUSE (INSERT MEDICAL PROBLEMS AND/OR DEATH) FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT (INSERT ATTORNEY'S NAME) @ (800)GET-SCREWED FOR MORE INFORMATION

As I said I'm a realistic, don't expect me to actually believe modern chemical science is better than 5,000 years of natural organics used in the history of mankind.
I am a living, breathing natural organism not some damn piece of machinery. When I die I want to be as natural and organic as the day I was born with as little or no additives and preservatives as possible.

Cannabinoid Studies Released | Cannabis Culture Magazine

Cannabinoid Studies Released | Cannabis Culture Magazine

I'm just going to add this to the growing number of reports that cost the taxpayers money, only to see it will also be completely and totally ignored like all the previous reports our illustrious leaders have received in the past.

Kathryn Johnston

Kathryn Johnston

This is a perfect example why the drug laws should be re-evaluated, a lack of a proper investigation in this case by the police. We have over zealous officers, followed by an elder woman's death at the hands of law enforcement, then an attempted cover-up, now we have three officers lives ruined unnecessarily. 

All because of a law that defines a person citizenship based on what they possess, not by how they treat their fellow citizens.

Defining a respectable and responsible citizen.

I have decided to question the concept of how to define a person's ability to be recognized as a respectable and responsible citizen in the United States of America.
Who has the right to define these ideas?
Can someone take it upon themselves to impose and intimidate others to accept their opinions as the right opinion?
Should a respectable and responsible citizen be defined by what they possesses to consume in the privacy of their own home, or by how they treat their fellow citizens?
Do we not have as individuals the right to decide what we will accept, tolerate and trust when it comes to the advances and miracles of modern science and technology?
A perfect example of this concept would be the Amish and Mennonites, they have refrained from accepting the advances in both modern industrial technology and modern medical sciences in their life style. These 2 groups are respected for their beliefs and accepted as responsible citizens.
Yet if you don't belong to either of these 2 groups you are (whether you like or not) required to accept the advances of modern science and technology as the right choice and only choice.

If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so.

- Thomas Jefferson

US Government’s medical marijuana patent

HOW LONG ARE WE GOING TO LIVE A LIE?

Just check out US Patent 6630507 titled “Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants” which is assigned to The United States of America, as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services.

The patent claims that -

“Cannabinoids have been found to have antioxidant properties, unrelated to NMDA receptor antagonism. This new found property makes cannabinoids useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of wide variety of oxidation associated diseases, such as ischemic, age-related, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.The cannabinoids are found to have particular application as neuroprotectants, for example in limiting neurological damage following ischemic insults, such as stroke and trauma, or in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and HIV dementia.”

The patent was obtained in October of 2003.


IF OUR GOVERNMENT HAS THE PATENT ON CANNABINOIDS, AND THEY ARE PROVEN AS AN EFFECTIVE SOURCE OF RELIEF, THEN IN THEORY DON'T WE AS CITIZEN ALL OWN THIS PATENT AND ARE ENTITLED THE RIGHT TO USE IT?

126 lbs Of Marijuana Seized At San Clemente Check Point

126 lbs Of Marijuana Seized At San Clemente Check Point - San Diego News Story - KGTV San Diego


All I can say is do the math.
126 lbs. @ 16 ounces = 2016 ounces
2016 ounces if taxed @ $50.00 = $100,800 in revenue
$100,800 @ 55 weeks a year = $5,544,000

I am willing to bet that figure should be multiplied by 10 to give you a more accurate consumption in the state of Arkansas.
That would be $55,440,000, then add the savings from not incarcerating people for possession, cultivation and trafficing. Plus the court fees.

Police find 60-plus pot plants, arrest 2

Police find 60-plus pot plants, arrest 2


60 plants producing 1 pound each = 960 ounces
960 ounces taxed @ $50.00 each = $48,000
$48,000 a week @ 55 weeks = $2,640,000 a year

I willing to bet that would be a least 10 times higher in the state of Arkansas
So I am roughly estimating that Arkansas has the potential to collect an estimated $26,400,000 in additional revenue. Plus the saving to taxpayers for the incarceration of these non violent people which is estimated at $22,000 a year minimum per person.

Disagreeing on Opinions.

I know that there are people who will disagree with some of my opinions, just as I may not agree with theirs. The great thing about that is, just because we don't agree doesn't mean either one of us is right or wrong.

So if your opinion proves to be right that's great let's keep on going with it. But if it should prove to fail don't keep trying to force me to accept your opinion as right. This is not only undignified but proves to me you have no intention of treating me with any respect.

So if you want me to treat you with respect, then you should also be willing to accept that no one person is perfect including yourself. We all make mistakes that's part of life. It is up to the individuals ability to live with themselves, and to decide for themselves what is right or wrong.

And if you can't accept responsibility for your actions or decisions then you need not be acting or deciding.

Solving the overcrowded prison problem.

We are presently hearing about the overcrowded prison system, a vast majority of the inmates are non violent offenders, in there for non-payment of child support, possession of controlled substances, and a variety of other personal mistakes.

First, in Arkansas it is estimated that we spend $22,000+ a year per inmate to incarcerate them, that figure goes up as they age due to medical problems. The problem I see with this is there are people who are working for minimum wages 40 hours a week and they don't make what we spend on criminals in a year. So who is actually getting punished?

Saline county had a dead beat dad round up recently, now if these people are sentenced to serve time not only do we pay for their incarceration, but also pay their child support. Instead of incarceration put them to work in child services part time 10-20 hours a week and use the money they would earn as their child support payment. If we are going to help support these people we should get something in return.

As for those incarcerated for the possession of a so called controlled substances change the law to legalize those drugs, then tax those products, expunge their records, and redirect the energy of the D.E.A. to inspect the products and assist with those who have abused those products and wanting help to get away from the addictions that is controlling their life. After all it has been proven that in order to help some one with problem they have to want the help. This is simply not a crime, it is and always will be a health and safety issue. Just as alcoholism is an addiction and not a disease.

Those who are found guilty of non-violent breaking and entering related to theft, put monitor anklets on them to keep track of them, set them up with some employment with the state for manual labor (such as highway clean-up, taking care of the city parks, and other such needed work) a percentage of their salary held back for court cost, probation fees, and victim restitution.

Curtis Coleman Announces “Job Interviews”

Curtis Coleman Announces “Job Interviews” « Curtis Coleman 2010
After writing this I noticed I got off subject a bit, but decided to keep everything in it.

Thanks to Mr. Coleman's statement concerning his belief that he is seeking employment from the people to represent the people's best interest and wishes, not what he believes the people needs. I have decided to follow his blogs and listen to his ideas. What caught my attention was his stance on stem cell research and how he defined it.

I believe stem cell research is a violation of the laws of God and nature, just as I think we are being intimidated to accept the advances in pharmacology as a traditional form of medication also. Personally I consider it a law that requires the people to pay to participate in chemical testing for profit. Now I do understand some peoples reasoning for this type of research and the desire to learn more about the process of life and death. But, why should my tax dollars pay for it. What gives our elected officials the right to impose upon me to consider their opinion as acceptable or right.

I would also like to know if he is willing to use the knowledge and information available to change the controlled substance act, instead of ignoring the committees and reports like our present elected officials are doing. The available statistics can and do support this policy needs to be changed. We have lived with this policy for 40 years, spent billions of dollars on prohibition that has failed, we tried it the governments way now it's time for the government to try it with the peoples way.

For those who read this you already know my stance on this. And that is if our government officials are so adamantly sure they are right as to what we as citizens can or cannot possess to consume in our own homes, what we will or will not accept, tolerate, and trust to be respectable and responsible citizens, than they owe it to the people to take responsibility for any and all of the damages and deaths associated with the products they claim to be the only choice and the right choice for everyone. 

I am actually hoping that this gentleman has an open mind to see the damages that our government has caused by the way they have defined the peoples ability to be recognized as respectable and responsible citizens.