Last year this time I had just returned from Columbus, Ohio, where I had volunteered for Barack Obama's presidential campaign. This link (http://10daysinohio.wordpress.com) will take you to the actual, albeit unfinished, blog. Here is an excerpt:
... Let me break down a little something on what I see as being a real discussion about big and small government. It has little to do with food stamps, government funded charter schools, or the good ole N.E.A. It has to do with an attitude that we, the people, can empower ourselves, or we can trust a suit in a large house that we will never visit on less than a tour (unless we are Tom Hanks) to throw us a bone. I love Obama specifically because he knows he can do nothing for us. He cannot heal a country that is not willing to do the work. He cannot give us better schools if we do not engage with our children. He cannot give us anything, but he can, and has already, empowered us to create something for ourselves. We need a government that only magnifies and enables the will of the people, not one that stipulates our choices on accepting their all-or-nothing rhetoric, that isolates and bates us against each other. There are certain things we will never agree on. That cannot be solved. Our government should not dictate our culture, it should serve as an organizing administrative body. Do you follow me? That is small government – a government that is willing to step back and give all of us choices. Freedom. I am not a Democrat nor am I Republican. I am a pragmatist. I believe at the end of the day, for this country – there is only one choice that includes everyone. Someone who will stay small so we can all become bigger. It is up to us. All of us...
I don't know about you, but I'm all for saving money and the robust public option tied to Medicare rates+5% would save our country $110 BILLION over ten years, unlike the watered down house version introduced today. This demonstrates how HYPOCRITICAL the so-called Blue Dogs are in that this unveils their true raison d'être. The real reason for their conservatism is not the FISCAL conservatism they have claimed for so long, it is just Republican conservatism for the status quo. They want no part in helping the American people with their everyday needs AND save the country a great deal of money at the same time. It'is clear these fierce blue dogs are merely neutered puppies cowtowing to the corporate industries that profit from the sickness of you and I, every day Americans trying to get by. In fact, the recession is probably great for their business and thus, the campaign coffers of the blue puppies. Only, it's the American people who are blue - sickened and dying with a lack of representation and affordable healthcare. Medic! Time to take a pulse...maybe issue last rites...Meanwhile, I'm going to give my hard-earned cash to any contender who takes on a blue dog in their home district.
I share this with you because the topic spoke to my heart after hearing people recently say "I don't vote; What good would writing or calling do; I don't have time to volunteer."
When I volunteered to be a community organizer several weeks ago, I was intrigued by the idea of helping to get the word out about another worthy cause. While the topic was Healthcare Reform, I saw the overall cause as something different. What did I see, you may ask. I saw the opportunity to continue learning, participating and educating family, friends, neighbors, strangers on the importance of being involved in the decision making process that helps to shape laws that govern our rights and privileges.
As John Adams said, "...Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among people."
It was probably 9 years ago when I truly sought to better understand the political process at the local and national level. I was especially interested after 9/11 as the fears among citizens grew and the tolerance for diversity among faiths decreased. It became more important to me to learn what people in positions of leadership were saying about the future direction of my city and state - our country. So, I paid more attention to political commentary shared in the media like the NY Times, CNN and MSNBC and the local newspapers. After all, our parents, their parents and generations before endured unthinkable trials of might and faith to cause a universal cry for freedom, justice and equality. Their journey is inherently our journey because we hold the responsibility to maintain and improve on that which came before us. This means that we each hold a piece of the multicultural quilt that spreads across our free land. It also means we have a responsibility to let our voices be heard.
Our vote is one of the most critical ways we voice our opinions and take part in this beautiful system of democracy that was designed to work for the voice of the people. It is not a perfect system, but it is a beautiful system that continues to work to promote FREEDOM, JUSTICE, EQUALITY for all. There are thousands who lost their lives for the very rights that we have, and there are thousands more who are calling for actions to improve upon the rights that we do have. The recent Healthcare Reform debate is just one recent example.
There have been thousands upon thousands of calls and letters to government officials across our great nation to push for Healthcare Reform. No one knows yet what the line-by-line details of the final bill will include. What we do know is that the call for change is because our fellow Americans have spoken and said they witnessed or know of too many people negatively impacted by the loss of insurance, suffering declining health or losing loved ones because of a damaged healthcare system.
It took people, just like you and me, to make phone calls, write letters, share stories and sometimes hear the stories of families torn apart because of the horrific healthcare policies that are in place. It was the voice of people, like you and me, at the local and national levels that has helped push the proposed bill closer to becoming a reality. When it does, it will be a historic event.
As we continue on this collective road to shape our America, please be encouraged and continue to be encouraged that our voices do matter. It is very important that when we have the opportunity to speak for positive change- let us speak; when we have the opportunity to write for positive change - let us write; when we have the opportunity to vote for positive change - let us vote.
In general, I do not believe as adults we "do" because anyone tells us to. Instead, I believe we generally do because we allow ourselves to be open to the possibility that we can affect the outcome of a situation. That same openess to be a participant in the possibilities of life leads us to do the right thing in our time of need, and in preparation for tomorrow. I believe that resounding voice comes from a sense of honor, dignity, respect for our past and the hope for a great future that cares for all of our people - not just some.
If you are like me, your schedule is booked solid most of the time and you treasure your "me time." If you are like me, you understand that sometimes the best "me time" is when we open ourselves up to causes outside of "I" and give a portion to "we time." You are so very important to the progress of all people, not just in our great land.
Be blessed.
President Obama can expect an instant surge in poll numbers if and when he gets back on board with the majority of Americans who don't give two figs what Snowe and the Party of No think...
To me the only mystery is why some seem to think there's any mystery. It's not like Republicans, with whom a mere 20% of Americans identify and only 36% still think have a clue about what to do are picking up the numbers.
I can only speak for my own disappointment in this once inspirational president who used to fill us all with so much hope, but I fully expect there are others who feel as I do. The President's approval numbers are inversely proportionate to his tacit approval for the antics of disingeuous Republicans such as Olympia Snowe and Chuck Grassley, support for spineless compromises such as Max Baucus's self-serving gift to the industry who supported and supports his re-election, his willingness to place the groups who elected him on hold, as he's done with the gay community, or to call us"opinionated," as he did when he recently described me and my fellow progressives that way. "Principled," Mr. Obama, and "resolute" are two of the adjectives I'd have chosen.
I don't need a public option, I live in Canada where they've understood for decades that single-payer provides the widest high quality coverage at the lowest cost to tax payers. Like over 80% of Canadians I'm very happy with the way it works, and I know it doesn't shut out private companies that enhance my coverage. I'm worried about my nephew and niece, who live in the States and have no health care. I'm worried about families who are plummeted into bankruptcy and still have to bury their 4-year-old child who dies of cystic-fibrosis, a disease that also claimed my first wife -- at the age of 40. She was Canadian. She was covered. "Life liberty and the pursuit of happiness" are more than words in Canada.
The so-called "public option" is the compromise. It has the potential of proving to Americans that the health insurance industry will either adapt and put up, as it has all over the globe, or shut up. Without a robust public option health care reform is a sham.
may be in run on mode.. but w/e
From: Kristian Hemker
Longmont, Co.
To: Barack Obama
From: A concerned youth in America
Dear Mr. Obama,
I have recently heard of your Nobel peace prize and I have one thing to say. The humble thing to do regarding the prize would be to turn it down and not be the publicity whore you have been all through your campaign. What we need from you isn’t uselessly accepting baseless award and accolades, but rather a Man, people will be able to look back on and say “he said he was going to change America, and he did.” As a 21 year old American I have seen all of the games and ploys of the political politicians and the rise and dashing of many hopes. I’m for the war in Iraq and I wish the people knew what good we were actually bringing those people. I have asked many “Democrats” “what is a democrat?” to which no one could answer. I have also asked people if they think Iraq is in better or worse shape since we have been there… and I have e yet to find a satisfactory answer from your party. I currently think we live in a one party system where private interests run the show behind the scenes and the political “debates” (if you can even call them that) are just a giant farce. I am a Libertarian and I know that capitalism isn’t all good and socialism isn’t all bad. Capitalism is the only form of economy that provides actual opportunity to gain wealth on your own merit, and individualism like that isn’t possible in a society that gives everyone everything they need. Americans are far too comfortable and stupid to understand the complex systems which control our economy. and schooling is almost impossible to afford in such hard economic times when you barely make middle class wages. The invisible inflation of costs in the housing markets is over rampant. I live in Colorado where those who have no skills lose jobs and those without jobs can’t afford the education for themselves let alone their families. I would like to also note the famous phrase “a government that can give you everything you need can take it all away.” So I think we need a drastic overhaul of Education and Welfare services. As far as the immigration issue is concerned I don’t think we need a second language but if they are willing to enter the “cultural melting pot” then I think amnesty isn’t a horrible idea. I think that Americans are far too comfortable and the low class can make more off of welfare then they can working at a local business. I would urge you to take these things into consideration because its my future and your children’s future not the ruling elite. I didn’t vote for you because I wanted to vote for Ron Paul but he didn’t get the nomination so I voted for Bob Barr, Because I believe that having too much control in both the house and senate doesn’t lead to rational discussion, but rather a comfortable arena to cater to private interests.. And I would also say that the billions of dollars of tax revenue you printed are going to destroy the middle class. I think we need a national minimum wage with a maximum housing limit. I don’t think that the government can solve all my problems so i am going to apply for government aid to start college in January for a “structural engineering and technology of applied science”, and try to get as many certifications as possible. What the country needs is not hand outs or government aid but Oportunity. And I think what they need you of you now is not the politician but the Man, Father, Husband, and intellectually honest person, I know you can be. This whole letter might fall on deaf ears but at least I had my say. I really hope you actually read this all the way through and took it into consideration despite my age. I am off to get my brother from a correctional facility because some of your “peace officers” arrested him while he was helping my grandmother out the front door with some dirty water because our sink is clogged and we cant afford to fix it. I would hope you take each of my statements as if your daughters were asking you. Why the police arrest more blacks and convict them than of any other color? And I hope you don’t disgrace the memory of Dr. Martin King who said “do not judge a man by the color of his skin but the content of his character.” One last thing I have to ask. Why it is in a country that obviously has a drug problem are we arresting these criminals the government, Has made for itself and using my tax dollars, (Which I haven’t earned much of) to house these criminals for upwards of 20,000 dollars a year, Per person. Not that we should let people out of prison because of the high recidivism rate. One final thing that I have learned from my Hispanic forbearers is “I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees”
Sincerely,
Kristian Hemker (concerned 21 years old)
Dear brother, we're invited!
A few months back you went home to God after not receiving adequate healthcare coverage for years. During your brief time with us you touched the hearts of family, friends, professors, and community members alike. I thought that no longer in this Earthly life would I again share laughter and tears with you that only a loved one can, the trust that only a best friend can, and the memories - old and new alike - that only a brother can.
But then I came across our last picture together. Standing against a bright backdrop of the colorful mall lights under a clear night sky, smiling and teaming up as only we could for that photograph -- for that timeless Heavenly moment -- who knew we'd be standing there together to give me an image of hope for the rest of my life?
I think you knew. Because you were so sincere in that moment. I can see it in your eyes now, I felt it in your presence then, and I hear it from our shared history -- and into our future as it unfolds with every new tick of the clock. (You jerk, you should've told me that you were done posing for pictures ;)!)
You always had a clever of doing big things. But this time you've really outdone yourself! You have allowed us to fulfill our childhood dream: of working as a team on something worthy, something noble, something divinely humanitarian; a dream of making a real difference.
Thanks for being my partner then, now, and always. I can almost hear you walking next to me as I campaign - one step at a time. Growing up, I always imagined we'd actually be able to chest-bump or high-five to celebrate each little victory. But if God has had a higher calling for you all along -- to make you part of my guiding light itself -- well, then I just have to wipe my tears away, smile, and march forward with your silent determination! Under the shadow of our captain: God himself :).
So: Did you hear? We're invited! Let's go.
My brother in humanity, Let's go!
Today we held the memorial service for my 24 year old daughter in-law and her unborn baby girl. Jenny did not have health insurance and was not properly treated at for-profit ER. Within 24 hours she went to the next ER and was diagnosed with severe double pneumonia, Septic shock and Respitory failure and laid in an ICU unit for the next two months at a cost of $22,000. a day.
When there was no hope of survival we removed Jenny from life support and said our good byes to this beautiful young woman. She left behind a husband (my son) and a two and half year old daughter. Jenny's crime and death sentence was that she could not afford health-care.
In the richest country in the world our Jenny died.
Don't allow another family to suffer the pain that we have. Stand up for the Public Option, stand up for what you believe in, get out of your chairs, your house, your comfort zone and speak out for this injustice. In the richest country in the world Jenny died....don't let there be another Jenny..
Universal Healthcare is the logical extension of Social Security. Providing health insurance for everyone in order to assist them in reaching retirement age. The Republicans have done pratically nothing on universal health care for 30 years. They were too busy sinking the nation with a worldwide recession, and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.NY Times contributor Paul Krug writes of the Poltics of Spite, "For one thing, we learned that the modern conservative movement, which dominates the modern Republican Party, has the emotional maturity of a bratty 13-year-old.
http://www.youtube.com/crazycatherder
http://www.youtube.com/BuckMcKeon#play/uploads/1/PAg_Gx_0VZs
Well Saturday's September 26th event turned out to the largest LA COUNTY Townhall meeting to date since the Congressman Adam Schiff’s event in San Gabriel Valley. McKeon and his staff were busy pleasing themselves over the 800 RSVP’s. I watched them giving one another high fives.
Someone had left a visible unlabeled box under the stairwell and the sheriff department responded cautiously to its contents. After one bold sheriff realized that it wasn't ticking, he opened it. And all disgustingly shook their heads to find La Rouche magazines with Obama w/a Hitler mustache on the cover . . . They reclosed the box and shoved it back but out of view, I agreed with their disgust, but this is a country of Free Speech, exhibit #1. There were close to 1,500 people there. Of course, the repubs say that it was 2,000. The initial anxious and alert crowd snaked around the building well before 8:15AM. One event planner was giving the others high fives in relaying “we have up to 2,000 RSVP's”. They had done their job. NOT. For it to be a healthcare meeting, the elevator didn't work for the physically impaired. Although, later in the morning, I heard the janitor exclaim to the sheriffs “it was working on Tuesday, I checked it myself”. Funny, there was little signage to let the public know that the elevator was even there.
I heard the janitor explain to the sheriff officers that the spring wasn't leveling as it should, hence it wasn’t usable. One officer offered that it was a safety violation and should be fixed quickly. I watched the janitor huffing up the stairs. I thought to myself, he’s in relatively good shape, not lean, but if he is huffing up the stairs and stopping at the first landing, what did he expect from moms with a child in a stroller? Some wheelchair bound and motor cart attendees looked dejected when they saw the final set of stairs. There was no signage telling them to keep going up the 20 degree hill to the side entrance of the gym. Some turned around expressing angry others called up asking for assistance.
I saw one young woman run down the stairs and offer to walk the man around the building. The person concerned, but not sure responded, “if you will take me all the way”. The guest obliged him.
She asked me if I knew where the side door would be, I told her it was my first time there also, “I don’t know”. I thought if democrats were in charge, we would have known to facilitate the handicapped and physically challenged. It is a requirement to holding a democratic event.
Eventually a guy in a white Boys and Girl’s Club polo called on a phone and a man came up with a golf cart. The cart man wheeled around to help the gentleman on the canes. I watched Good Samaritans grabbed the front of baby strollers to assist several mothers and a father. I saw audience members descend the stairs to aid physically exhausted elderly men and women, who were measuring their steps to ascend the stairs. One lady I ran down to help pulled her arm away. “I can help myself thank you, ” she was feisty but physically unstable. I retreated. Another man who had seen her too, came down behind me and she allowed him to help her up the last landing. “Thank you sweetie”, I heard her smile and say to him, as she turned around and sneared at me. He and I bodily shrugged at the same time and simultaneously shook our heads . Another form of Free Speech, I thought.
If the planners were concerned about healthcare wouldn’t they have had a plan for this situation I thought. But maybe that was the ultimate message “everybody for themselves”, because they have pulled themselves up by their boot straps why worry about anyone else? No one ever considers that someone made those boots. We can’t get there by ourselves, it takes all of us to make a village and I was taught this years before Hillary Clinton ever wrote the book! (to be continued)
Dear Sir,
I have read the things for healthcare reform that is offered,and the issues are so much that you ask us to go to bat for you.
We realy do trust you but please understand,we do not want Goverment to take care of us,we wish to help Goverment to build a plain,by the people and when you take a healthcare package to Congress,it must be built by the people and not by the adminastration.
When the door was open we searched for a way for the people to build something,that a name was given, A New Concept For a Healthcare Reform Stimulus Package.
I will not give the web address,it would not be politcal correct,but your staff has seen the early stages of a concept of a Healthcare concept built by the people and for the people.
Please uderstand that we the people try to see the futher for our children and we are deeply concerned that there is a people who wish for us to be no more and through their efforts they have caused civil unrest. It is our hope that through this work we will bring to you a concept that will be respected for days to come.
Mr. Obama you had us when you told us about that car with the hole in the floor board,people voted for you because you was once as poor as some.
I have read into the issues you present I can share the veiw of what we see and people see.
The door swings both ways and you and you staff is most welcomed.
Henry Massingalele
Last night CNBC aired an hour and one half special report on Walmart. I will say that they tried to be fair, bringing statements made by employees back to Mike Duke, Walmart's CEO and asking him what he thought about them. Mike Duke seems like a nice enough guy, maybe it's his delusions that make me feel unsure about him.
Mike Duke thinks that the Walmart employees and the upper echelon (including store managers) are one big family. But in the words of one Walmart employee, "I don't even know the man . . . he's no family of mine."
The idea that Walmart is operating in a family atmosphere is merely a show for the public. They no more treat us like family than you do some stranger walking in the street. A family's head would not deprive their members of the money needed to live, or the care necessary to make the family member well, at least a good family head wouldn't.
Not only does Walmart seek to brainwash the public into its squeaky clean image, it tries to brainwash its employees as well. Daily morning meetings are held in each store after which the Walmart Cheer is performed. It's a rah-rah Walmart chant that's meant to hype the employees up so that when they hit the sales floor they will be enthusiastic about their jobs.
You know what Walmart? You want to make me enthusiastic about my job? Pay me decently! Make certain that the two or three thousand dollar suit that Mr. Duke wore during the interview isn't bought with the ache of my back and the sweat of my brow. Make sure that we are receiving a decent wage and then, if there's anything left over, have Mr. Duke go to Men's Warehouse and take advantage of their bogo sales.
Walmart now demands that their employees wear uniforms. It was not so when I joined the corporation in 2007. We wore blue smocks over our regular clothing that said on the back, "how may I help YOU?" As far as I have been able to discern, everyone liked the smocks and felt very comfortable in them. The switch to uniforms was an extra hardship laid upon the workers by Walmart because they do not pay for these uniforms. We are required to wear uniforms but must pay for the pants and T-shirts as well. We are not reimbursed or stipended. I received two shirts and received a voucher for one pair of pants 4 years ago. Boy! Walmart's cheaply made China clothing doesn't last that long! My point is, if we are required to wear uniforms, why must we also pay for them?
Sam Walton started Walmart in the Ozarks in a district where farms were failing and jobs were scarce. His idea of cheap labor to fill the many jobs with these farmers was great for them, but, when Walmart hit the city and, over these many years the workers have become more sophisticated and more apt to be "unappreciative" of the Walmart hype. The average worker today wants to be treated fairly, not made to feel that he should be thankful for a job that pays more than the average retail store, but just barely gives enough hours to stay above the legal requirements.
I do not hate Walmart. On another blog I was labled "a bitter old woman" because I criticized Walmart. I only want Walmart to do what's right for its 2 million employees. Pay us decently, provide us with a health care plan that does not cheap out on us when we have to see a doctor and does not have a $350.00 deductible to pay for even after we take out lots of cash every payday to cover our health care. And, stop all this "family" stuff unless they really, really mean it in every sense of the word.
Oh, and one last thing. You will never read of, or hear me say the word "associate" when mentioning any Walmart worker. The term should never have been introduced. We are not associated with Walmart. We are employees, workers, laborers, take your pick. Because, if I had my choice I would not be an "associate" of Walmart at all.
www.walmartworkersforchange.com www.americanworker.org
Quick post... Just wanted to share my submission for the recently announced Health Reform Video Challenge.
You can see it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeGdldzBkXo
If we are going to fight let's go for the real thing.
Enough with the Public Option, it covers, at best 5% of us, when Obama says, if you like what you have you can keep it, the most important statement is lacking: if you hate it, you can leave it. All the PO does is to create another entitlement for people to resent.
By eliminating the middleman, you pay a lot less and Drs get pay better.
Single payer is actually an easier sale, as it answers that very human question: "What's in it for me?"
http://healthcare4all.org/
This is the first time I've heard of a representative of the law enforcement agencies involved speaking publically on the matter (with exception to the San Diego District Attorney.) Once again I'm hearing the same lie that the City of San Diego is spreading to the citizens and performing horrific illegal acts based upon: District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis claims that the collectives, co-ops and other medical cannabis organizations are illegal, profiteering criminals and not legal medical cannabis patients nor are they caregivers to their fellow legal medical cannabis patients.
I am a legal, medical cannabis patient. As such, I am a member of a few collectives, but most active in one called the Beneficial Care Collective. I do not receive any pay for my work, my only reward is being able to share my feelings, thoughts, expierences and medical treatment stories with my fellow patients. The Beneficial Care Collective was raided and shut down by armed forces on 9/9/2009, a patient that I consider a friend and fellow caregiver was wrongly arrested and the medication was illegally stolen by the City of San Diego.
Here is another report/ piece of insight on the situation currently going on in San Diego, California:
Craig Beresh of S.Cal NORML reports that at least 14 San Diegodispensaries received "cease and desist" visits by the S.D. policeyesterday. They were told that a written notice would followshortly. Numerous other dispensaries remain closed in the wake ofthe recent raids. As the following report indicates, police arefalsely spreading the notion that collectives can't operate legallyunder state law. S. Cal NORML is contemplating legal action againstSan Diego. - Dale Gieringer, Cal NORML>From: "Southern California NORML" <craigberesh@normlsc.org>>To: <dale@canorml.org>>>The San Diego police will be visiting all collectives over the next>few weeks...>>At Pacific Beach town council meeting Wed 9/16>PBTC handed out fliers to everyone with every collective's name and>address. The inference is to call the police and complain, although>that is not written. The theme of the night was to call police and>complain about everything, including motorhomes, street repair,>floatillas on the bay, alcohol, smoke shops and medical marijuana.> Then Shelli Zimmerman spoke. She was just promoted to Asst. Chief of>Police from the Northern Division which includes PB:>"All collectives are for profit. There has been no change in the>law. Collectives are illegal. Props 215 and SB420 do not make>medical marijuana legal. It just gives people an 'affirmative'>defense. Growing for your own medical use is ok and the cops won't>bother you. They are only going after illegal collectives (which are>all of them) We are using the same strategy as in 2005 and 2006. We>worked with SDPD, sheriffs, DA, and DEA. Seized product, multiple>handguns, and hundreds of thousands in cash. We don't have enough>resources to shut them all down. We went after the ones with most>complaints. Community vocality helps. Especially all the noise,>vandalism, intimidation, threats and profit complaints. All the rest>of the collectives will be getting personal visits by the police>informing them they are breaking the law and to shut down over the>next few weeks. If they>don't, they will get cease and desist letters. If they stay open they>will be raided. Just like in 2005 & 2006, all the collectives got the>message. Another strategy may be going after the landlords.">>A few personal comments:>I'm not sure what affirmative defense means other than a legal defense>or medical defense...>It sounds like people are organized and complaining to police with>multiple, anonymous, and false reports of noise and vandalism, like>PB town council, <http://savepb.org>savepb.org, and><http://discoverpb.org>discoverpb.org Is>this legal?>This is from a person just promoted to Asst Chief of SDPD which should>worry the medical community in SD. How can she even say that ALL>collectives are for profit without investigating them first. Send in>state auditors not SWAT!> - Craig Beresh, S. Cal NORML Source Visit California NORML for more information
Craig Beresh of S.Cal NORML reports that at least 14 San Diegodispensaries received "cease and desist" visits by the S.D. policeyesterday. They were told that a written notice would followshortly. Numerous other dispensaries remain closed in the wake ofthe recent raids. As the following report indicates, police arefalsely spreading the notion that collectives can't operate legallyunder state law. S. Cal NORML is contemplating legal action againstSan Diego. - Dale Gieringer, Cal NORML>From: "Southern California NORML" <craigberesh@normlsc.org>>To: <dale@canorml.org>>>The San Diego police will be visiting all collectives over the next>few weeks...>>At Pacific Beach town council meeting Wed 9/16>PBTC handed out fliers to everyone with every collective's name and>address. The inference is to call the police and complain, although>that is not written. The theme of the night was to call police and>complain about everything, including motorhomes, street repair,>floatillas on the bay, alcohol, smoke shops and medical marijuana.> Then Shelli Zimmerman spoke. She was just promoted to Asst. Chief of>Police from the Northern Division which includes PB:>"All collectives are for profit. There has been no change in the>law. Collectives are illegal. Props 215 and SB420 do not make>medical marijuana legal. It just gives people an 'affirmative'>defense. Growing for your own medical use is ok and the cops won't>bother you. They are only going after illegal collectives (which are>all of them) We are using the same strategy as in 2005 and 2006. We>worked with SDPD, sheriffs, DA, and DEA. Seized product, multiple>handguns, and hundreds of thousands in cash. We don't have enough>resources to shut them all down. We went after the ones with most>complaints. Community vocality helps. Especially all the noise,>vandalism, intimidation, threats and profit complaints. All the rest>of the collectives will be getting personal visits by the police>informing them they are breaking the law and to shut down over the>next few weeks. If they>don't, they will get cease and desist letters. If they stay open they>will be raided. Just like in 2005 & 2006, all the collectives got the>message. Another strategy may be going after the landlords.">>A few personal comments:>I'm not sure what affirmative defense means other than a legal defense>or medical defense...>It sounds like people are organized and complaining to police with>multiple, anonymous, and false reports of noise and vandalism, like>PB town council, <http://savepb.org>savepb.org, and><http://discoverpb.org>discoverpb.org Is>this legal?>This is from a person just promoted to Asst Chief of SDPD which should>worry the medical community in SD. How can she even say that ALL>collectives are for profit without investigating them first. Send in>state auditors not SWAT!> - Craig Beresh, S. Cal NORML
Source
Visit California NORML for more information
I just downloaded the Obama Plan one sheet and the Myth's vs. Facts sheet. These are two of the most powerful papers that we can carry with us to show people while out and about! Be sure to get these and print them, post them on your website, and get people to read them!
