JUSTICE FOR JESSICA - BUTTS FAMILY MURDERS - Atlanta TX, January 27th, 1992; PART 1

Last edited, Aug. 31, 2010

Jessica Butts, age 12, raped and murdered. Atlanta TX, 1992.

Along with her mother, Gerri, 29, who was strangled, and baby Mackenzie, age 3, drowned in the bathtub.

Maybe you've read I was an advocate for Brianna Maitland, of VT, who disappeared March 19, 2004... but prior to that I learned of the Butts family, and their triple murder. Their case is what got me revved up to volunteer to help not only the Maitlands, but Maura Murray too, who disappeared Feb. 09, 2004, in Woodsville, NH, who also is still missing.

On the one hand, with the Butts family, there are the brutal, tragic multiple murders of 3 innocent people. On the other hand, the shocking disappearance of a person with the shadow of foul-play hanging for what seems like eternity over what happened and where are they.

The Butts family murders are tragic in another way too, in that the suspect, Kevin Hailey, has been the primary suspect all along... from the beginning, and the evidence in the case, more than an investigator could ever want. Yet, nearly 20 years after the fact, the case is, in my opinion, still  locked and located, not in a prison cell, but rather, a political  nightmare - the makings of a good mystery novel perhaps, except, when considering the victims, it's a sham!

I am not law enforcement... but I have connections. And quite by coincidence, in helping the Maitland family, I was asked to work with a criminal profiler from Texas who offered his assistance to the Maitlands. I call him Sam, at his request, but it turns out, ironically, he was a detective at the time of the Butts family murders, working with the Texarkana  PD, who initially investigated the murder of the Butts family.

Small world!

This link is to the original website setup by investigative reporter, Sonny Long, who can be credited for keeping the murders active: Butts Family, by Sonny Long, and his personal link here: Sonny Long

I recently wrote him, as I did years past, but haven't received a response yet.

According to this link, Kevin-is-pleading-guilty-to-murder; the prime suspect admitted to strangling the mother Gerri Butts... a "plea agreement" in which it appears he doesn't have to admit being involved in the deaths of Jessica or Mackenzie.

What kind of bull-crap is that!!!?

As you'll see... it all came down to the power of the district attorney, and a family connection he had to the suspect.

All of which my ace in the hole verified via e-mail to me.

Jessica told her classmates she was going to die, and she did. She was strangled with a telephone cord, and raped. There was at least one pubic hair found on her body, as well as a louse egg ( crabs, for the innocent). Kevin's palm print was found on the bathtub, where baby Mackenzie was drowned.

Think I'm mad... you're damn right!!!

Many years, it's my opinion, the District Attorney responsible for bring justice to this case, stuffed it in a box... called Don't open!, and being related to the suspect, it's not surprising. Here is the family photo:

More to come...

REEFER MADNESS - 2010 - Dangers of Marijuana - CONCLUSION

Last Edited 08/23/2010 10:26PM

I had called this an "interlude", with more to come, but then realized that other than the obvious dangers like driving under the influence, operating dangerous machinery, or the fact cannabis is not legally sold, and one must purchase it on the black market, that I am, actually, finished!

And I know, I'm repeating some of what I started back in my history of cannabis, but let's forget that for now since sometimes taking a fresh, new look at something it comes out better - or so I hope. These scans are from old sources I collected over the years that verify cannabis was used regularly and legally through to the 1920's, and was regarded as a commodity like tobacco. It was called ganja(h).

 We think of cannabis today as that noxious weed called "marijuana" - considered a "dangerous drug" that at all costs must be prohibited and illegal. I would like to point out, that is a relatively recent change in attitude that began in the 1930's. The original Marihuana Tax Act was actually struck down by the Supreme court as unconstitutional in 1970. Then, President Nixon's advisors recommended legalizing cannabis, but Nixon wanted no part of that, and it was reclassified as a schedule one narcotic, so that prohibition of the plant would remain illegal.

In 1976, President Carter, realizing it was a basic human right for an individual to consume what God provides us, legalized cannabis, along with home-brewed beer and wine. In what I consider to be a outrageous over-reaction to his action, allegedly by the DEA and Congress, Pres. Carter was over-ruled, and cannabis remained illegal, while home-brewed beer and wine were legalized.

As a side-note, when the 18th amendment was overturned, permitting home brewed beer or wine was not included, and remained illegal until 1976. Many today don't realize that it was Pres. Carter who finally allowed making your own, and spawned the current generations of micro-breweries.

There is every reason I can think of, why cannabis should not be illegal to use, possess and grow. There is every reason to strike down the use of the AKA "marijuana" to label it, as that is what it was called in Mexico, not in the US. It's a commodity missing in our economy, and it's "PORK" draining needed tax dollars and jobs from our economy, alienating people and putting countless millions of people who use it at risk.

Simple fact is - if it were legal and sold like alcohol and tobacco, we would be able to provide a far better response to the real problem of drug abuse in this country. Quite simply, cannabis is  not the problem, but rather, part of the solution.

The following are the references to past history when cannabis was not a problem and not called marijuana:

NOTE: Cannabis was referred to as Ganjah, not "marijuana"... which you can see (two images hence) isn't listed in the dictionaries of the time:

What? No "marijuana"???

That was 1888. By 1921 things hadn't changed much even though two very important federal laws were in effect controlling narcotics, and alcohol prohibition was in effect.

Now spelled "ganja"... and still "smoked like tobacco":

Still, no reference to a drug called "marijuana": How mysterious is that???

*******

The laws prohibiting cannabis are still unconstitutional in my opinion. Very little valid scientific evidence is available to maintain it's current status... and the public harm as a result of the questionable rationale behind those laws are an affront to the very foundation that made this country great, and a true democracy.

I hereby request the federal and state governments to provide sound facts and evidence validating the laws and prohibition against cannabis. I invoke my constitutional right to a "redress" of this policy, in that it is my belief laws against cannabis are based on anecdotal evidence, is still unconstitutional, and creates the very violence we are fighting to end.

It further constitutes a "hate crime", in that it's conception and current focus is still on the people of Mexico. They are still often "blamed" for the "drug problems" in the US, and I feel this trend, begun in the 1930's, constitutes a violation of civil rights, and violates "hate crime" laws. 

I seek evidence from the judiciary branches of government to show cannabis does indeed qualify for Schedule One classification. And I would like to know why tobacco doesn't???

I further contend that those US citizens who prefer cannabis, are being subjected to torture and harassment by current laws and policies, are subject to widespread discrimination and alienation, as well as Cruel and Unusual Punishment. 

If person's concerned with solving the "drug problem" in this country are serious, then, recognition that cannabis is not the dangerous drug they claim it to be, must be addressed! 

One final question: Why, in 1937 if cannabis was truly the subject of being a dangerous drug, as movies at the time made it out to be, why wasn't the new law called the "Ganja Tax Act", considering that's what Americans called it? Maybe we could do the same with "tobacco" and rename it something like dungweed, and pass a Dungweed Tax Act. What an idea! But we'd need an enemy, a specter, to be the villain...  just imagining it now - prohibition of dungweed... a star on You-Tube, a Hollywood movie... 

Dungweed Death - The Perils of Dungweed.

Fact is I could write a great deal about the dangers of tobacco... which I find ironic - in that there really is no question in my mind how dangerous tobacco is. How deadly. But in 35 years researching ganja, and I really cannot say it's dangerous. I'm truly convinced it's safer than alcohol and tobacco, even beneficial.

I would not support prohibition of tobacco, as dangerous as it is. Those who wish to use it should be permitted. But I would certainly put much stronger regulations on it's sale, considering the cost to society. Just today I drove by a couple that looked 12, walking along the highway lighting up a cigarette. It's against the law - but I doubt they would be arrested, put in jail, and sentenced to juvenile lock-up for a year? And that's my whole point... when and how did ganja become the demon it is known as today?

The answer: We're still fighting the war today... it's called "Illegal Immigration". Mexican's called cannabis "marijuana". But you already know that from reading my posts, and watching the History Channel's, "Hooked on Drugs..." found in my recommending media list. Americans are caught in the cross-fire... innocent victims to a ploy to prevent illegal immigration by draconian laws against growing, possession and use of cannabis. 

I rest my case... Americans did not call cannabis marijuana. There was and is no no real danger except in the minds of the politicians who perpetuate an idea, long past failure. 

Today, we build hundreds of miles of cement walls, and post thousands of law enforcement agents on the border with Mexico. Thousands in Mexico have lost their lives because we have not solved the immigration issues in almost 100 years between us and Mexico.

*******

Time to Grow Up... and Get Real!

***

And I almost forgot... And this is very important for those of you who use "marijuana", or I mean ganja/cannabis. Don't expect an organ transplant if you need one... period! You're not worthy!

The following links are to the real stories of people denied a transplant because they used cannabis. 

DENIED 1

DENIED 2

DENIED 3

Please... Stop the Hurt and Condemnation!!! 

REEFER MADNESS - 2010 - Dangers of Marijuana - PART FOUR

last edited 08-29-2010

Life just doesn't seem easy... in fact, I was raised to know it isn't. It's why my own mother tried so hard (in vain) to influence (and save) me, by her aggressive efforts to influence me to take her road in life, and in doing so, strongly discouraged my own road in life. "Her Road" was in fact, as she knows it, the ONLY road in life - what she calls "the short road".

One might say, if I'd surrendered to her efforts, I'd be better off today. But I chose to rebel. Not uncommon - in fact, it's a part of growing up to be an adult - to rebel against one's parents. It was my misfortune that my mother is simply quite overbearing, without understanding of personal bounds or personal freedom. The consequence, as a result of a final battle between her and I when I was 24, I have PTSD. It's a long story.... one for another time perhaps.

My question is:  how can another person, no matter how closely related, dictate how another person lives their life? I see a lot of that type of influencing going on - which I call bullying. You may recall the story I told about the girlfriend I had during the 70's - her mother would call around 2AM, wake her up, to call her a slut and insist she had a man in her bed - which she did, that being me. So I know it's not just me, with the issues.

I took the "Road Less Traveled", based on the book by Jack Kerouac, but not solely based on the book... the whole culture was dominate during the 70's among 20-somethings... much came together in my early 20's, a renaissance of discoveries, a rebirth, a chance in life. I thrived in the 70's... and everything looked like it would happen... except, I underestimated the tenacity my mother would exert to keep me on her "short road" - job, wife, children and house. None of which I was opposed to - I simply wanted to do it my way.

I can only attribute my failures to inexperience. How was I suppose to know that I had a Constitutional Right to pursue my own road in life? It's not like they exactly covered that topic in HS. In hindsight... I should have cut off communication with what i considered a hostile antagonist in my 20's, but I didn't. I had the right to do so, I just didn't fully understand my rights. There's also the fact that I attribute much of my "awakening" to my use of cannabis. I've written about that previously, plenty of times.

But what if... the marijuana I attribute to being a great miracle in my life, instead produced a mental condition... like schizophrenia? Would that explain why my parents thought I had deviated from the "main road" in life... why I got a job as a custodial at a local community college? A disgrace of the worst kind to my mother. Was I insane???

SCHIZOPHRENIA, and Cannabis: 

In many online discussions regarding legalizing cannabis, the topic of how it "causes or enables schizophrenia" is a common concern. My opinion is that there is a lack of understanding with regards to the illness, and the potential role of cannabis.

First, the following link provides an understanding of schizophrenia: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH:

"What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder that affects about 1.1 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. People with schizophrenia sometimes hear voices others don’t hear, believe that others are broadcasting their thoughts to the world, or become convinced that others are plotting to harm them. These experiences can make them fearful and withdrawn and cause difficulties when they try to have relationships with others."


I’ve already discussed in an earlier post, the "paranoia" a user of cannabis may experience. And that it's my opinion that the fear is real, and not a delusion. The question is, of the 1.1% of the US population, how many cases can be a direct result of the use of cannabis? Truth is, no one knows. What we do know however is that people have been using cannabis for thousands of years… and there is no factual data showing a link between it’s use and madness.

The commonly discussed attribute of cannabis used to discuss mental illness, is the THC (Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol). That's the "active psychotropic" chemical in cannabis that produces the high. It is the chemical that makes cannabis a Schedule One Narcotic, and users of cannabis subject to arrest. It is the chemical that is the source of concern that cannabis may cause, or bring out the condition known as schizophrenia. 

Although this is a major concern, this is not why cannabis is illegal in this country. It's illegal based on a series of events beginning in the early 1930's that escalated out of control. But to reign in on the misconceptions about cannabis, one needs to look closely at the mental health concerns in present day terms.

Considering all the millions of persons who have either used or are using cannabis, the percentage of disorders currently documented fail to correspond to use of cannabis. It is known that pure THC is very depressing to use. It's not enjoyable. The only reason THC works to provide a source of worth to the user is a non-psychotropic component called cannabidiol. This component of cannabis appears to be the key... to why cannabis is not only safe, but beneficial. The following into to a link from Wikipedia: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in Cannabis. It is a major constituent of the plant, representing up to 40% in its extracts.[2] CBD alone is not intoxicating but displayed sedative effects in animal tests.[3] Some research, however, indicates that CBD can increase alertness.[4] It may decrease the rate of THC clearance from the body, perhaps by interfering with the metabolism of THC in the liver. Medically, it has been shown to relieve convulsion, inflammation, anxiety, and nausea, and to inhibit cancer cell growth.[5] Recent studies have shown cannabidiol to be as effective as atypical antipsychotics in treating schizophrenia.[6]


It's the balance of the primary components - THC and Cannabidiol that makes cannabis the perfect commodity, and recreational drug, as we like to describe such things. Essentially, it is a plant with desirable characteristics. At present, outlawed and causing extreme violence in Mexico, and political suffocation in American politics. The victims - "We The People..."


The plant, cannabis, is a miracle in my opinion... very safe to use, beneficial in many ways, an art to grow, and a major commodity that is needed for our society to prosper. Providing alcohol and tobacco as the only recreational drugs is stupidity. Not only are they both difficult to control, but tobacco alone is simply a highly addictive poison. Society needs a safer alternative - one that is not simply intoxicating or feeds an addiction. Cannabis has shown anti-cancer potential, helps with pain in a much safer way that opiates, and users of recreational cannabis tend to be far less prone to violent behavior than their sober or alcohol infused counterparts.

The argument that legalizing cannabis will result in an increase in schizophrenia, is simply unproven, and unlikely in my opinion. This is not to say there aren't people who may experience psychological problems when using cannabis. I'm simply saying if cannabis use caused schizophrenia, the percentage of individuals suffering from the various forms of the illness would be substantially higher.

As they say on the popular Myth Buster's TV show, the "myth is busted", in my opinion. The danger still remains, however, in that the potency of THC, and the balancing effects of cannabidiol, the cannabis that's distributed illegally is more dangerous to society than if it were legal. From years of experience I can tell you stoners, those who use cannabis, are by far more comfortable to be around than a keg party. Hey, not knocking you if you prefer the keg party, just saying...

The solution is to legalize and provide controlled sources of the plant, much like we do with alcohol products. Permitting individuals to grow their own with clearly specified strains of the plant. Legalization would also help reduce the stigma associated with use, and make it far less likely that those with psychological issues would avoid seeking professional help. Cannabis users aren't made "stupid", and to assume an individual can't make a decision when selecting the variety of plant they prefer, is unrealistic.

The current problem with cannabis is that it's illegal, fueling violence in the area of growth and distribution, and creating a sub-culture that has no choice but to take what they can find, and shut-up about it. The majority of cannabis users I've known over the years would never tell their doctor they use cannabis. And this same sub-culture has no idea usually where their cannabis came from, or what the THC level is. It's a commodity, one that would benefit our society, give us a break from the hard stuff, a choice.

To Be Continued...

REEFER MADNESS - 2010 - Dangers of Marijuana - PART THREE

In my last post I focused on the topic of the paranoid feelings users of cannabis report. I summarized by saying it's not an illusion... I think, if one went back to the 20's, with alcohol prohibition, you'd find plenty of paranoid people.

The "dangers" I list; well, some of them may appear odd at first glance; it does depend upon your current point of reference.

About those dandelions growing in your yard? If you haven't been spraying them with weed killer, do you realize the leaves have as much or more nutrients than spinach. It's not a weed. That's a myth.

*******

"Dangers of marijuana, marihuana, ganja, ganjah..." (common and historic references for cannabis - common - sativa/indica):

Insane Laughter: Nothing sticks with a person more than the nervous, insane laughter of the actor(s) in the original 1930's, "Reefer Madness" film, considered a public safety warning at the time, to become, an hilarious comedy years later. True, when first using cannabis and getting buzzed or high, laughter is usually part of the experience - and for someone who literally had a childhood and teenagehood without laughter, the second time I tried cannabis in the 1970's, I laughed till I really hurt. So too, my two friends. The laughter part of it is nothing like the film mentioned earlier, it's simply a relaxation of a "primal fear" to laugh. After awhile the laughter part of it goes away, and the more mellow, meditative experience begins.

The Munchies: If there's one basic argument for keeping cannabis illegal, it's the fact that I last heard a report on NPR (National Public Radio) that stated 1 in 4 person's in the US are obese. Apparently, the reason people get the munchies is a drop in blood glucose levels. Need to feed the need. So eat. For myself, with a BMI under 20, eating is a very good thing, and for that reason alone, I should have the right to use a medicinal plant of my choosing. I don't.For those in the 1 in 4, do you think ruining people's lives for having cannabis is any more reasonable than arresting you for buying 6 cheeseburgers, 10 bags of fries, and a Super Colossal diet soda? Hey... I do need to eat...

Tobacco: Yes this is a danger... because, if you smoke cannabis you do so either through a pipe or a joint, though many may use a vaporizer these days. Except they have to buy it and everything is data-mined these days. So they probably don't. Point is, to smoke cannabis, you need fire - like matches, or a lighter. But, if you don't smoke cigarettes, why do you have a source of fire? Someone like your boss or nosy neighbor might ask you that question. Solution: Tobacco! However, it contains the poison nicotine, which is very much physically addictive, unlike cannabis. It's only practical use is as an insecticide, by the way. And killing human beings.

Diminished Job Opportunities: This danger is divided into two parts; 1) drug testing at the work-place and 2) a drug conviction on your record.

1) During the 90's I worked at a public school - an elite school with lots of wealthy tax-payers in town. I forget the exact year, but it was when the drug-testing surge took place. The school principal announced one day that all employees would be subject to a random drug test. The teacher's union, of which I wasn't a member, opposed the rule. We had a meeting, and was I surprised to hear nearly every teacher was opposed. The rule never took effect, it was dead. But that was then and this is now.

Now, nearly every large school, company, state or federal job tests for illegal drugs. They ignore alcohol and tobacco. Since most illegal drugs are processed and quickly out of one's system, marijuana is the exception -  that's what "they" call it - marijuana. So since cannabis "ash" can linger in fat cells for up to 30 days, it is the drug routinely tested for. Other drugs, two, three days, stop use. The obvious lean toward singling out cannabis users is obvious, and a danger.

2) Beginning after the terrorist attack on the WTC, personal privacy disappeared. If you've ever been busted for cannabis, aka marijuana, it's on your record forever. As you stand in line for a job you'll notice those ahead of you could have a history of assault, rape, murder, but the good news is the pedophiles are behind you. Comforting thought as you try and be a productive member of society.

Freedom of Expression: I admit, this is an odd danger... but it's true. During the 50's through the 70's, while cannabis use was actually quite illegal, it was not yet quite on the forefront of law-enforcement's priority list; that happened, from my perspective, in the mid 70's to 80's. Nancy Reagan's "Just Say NO" speech galvanized the world... but to what end? To demonize cannabis users? Since it's popularly pushed that marijuana is the stepping stone to harder drugs? How much harder can you get, then from the legal ones already available?

Much of the personal expression part of cannabis use during the 60's and 70's gave way to hushed silence on the subject. During that time cannabis was widely used and talked about by artists of all kinds... until the last few years.

Head-Shops, mostly forced to close down these days, were very popular during the 70's. Good for the economy and a friendly environment. They sold art, exotic clothing, herbs and lots of cannabis related gear like pipes, bongs, and papers. They usually had incense burning, so the atmosphere was usually surreal. But unlike Haiti, where colors are everything - they paint their buses in wild floral colors, in the US, drab black and white is still the norm.

Freedom of expression is a significant victim to the "Just Say No" mentality. Considering the alternatives... and the danger that your cannabis incurs is that you have to censor what you'd like to say or do, like start up a head-shop.

Loss of Personal Freedom, Pursuit of Happiness: Let's face it... use cannabis and your opportunities in life diminish. This is a result of laws and stigma about cannabis, and has a "catch-22", in that, if you appear to be complacent or relaxed under duress, or between jobs, it's easy to blame the marijuana. I'm surprised the "experts" don't realize with current discriminations and laws directed towards cannabis users, it's a no-brainer that they appear to be slackers.

The best part about cannabis is it's not physically addictive. And over time, less is enough... not more. With regards to psychological addiction, it depends upon the individual. Many people use it on only occasionally, easy enough to do. Others use a small amount each day for pain, relaxation, or meditation. It is a natural medicine... one used for thousands of years. I admit, still others seem to go through an ounce a day... but the thing is, unlike alcohol where the more you use the more intoxicated you get, it's the opposite with cannabis - you only get so high. Mostly, those who use an ounce a day simply like smoking it.

There is no hang-over, just a relaxing night no matter how much one consumes.

To Be Continued...  Next: More dangers, like schizophrenia - is it myth or reality?

"REEFER MADNESS" - 2010 - Dangers of Marijuana - PART TWO

I concluded "Part One" with the phenomenon generally known as a paranoia; after using cannabis, seems after smoking it, rather than when eating it in a brownie. The paranoia is usually passive, non-specific, produces anxiety of varying degrees - usually depending upon one's environment at the time. It can be most acute in the early period of use, before an individual understands the link to their environment. I wouldn't say I've ever found this effect to to very common. 

But it inspires concerns with another, well published concern: Schizophrenia. I read that this fear is the number one concern if cannabis becomes legal. I sympathize with you, however, far better that cannabis is legal and non-stigmatized, than illegal, and those with a problem are afraid to come forwards. The other problem with this fear is that it's now quite official-

The person who experiences this side-effect may decide to stop using it for awhile, with a bonus in that there are minor to no withdrawal symptoms. And that may become that user's past... imagine, being able to say "no thanks", after a personal decision. Try making a list of legal substances that you can try and easily say "no" to? Tobacco???

Some people gradually are able to conceptualize the origin of their fears when using cannabis to come to terms with issue. Some call a mental health center, to come to terms with what they now realize is a problem - and I don't mean the cannabis. inhibits both a person with problems seeking help, and providing a hostile environment for people who want to use cannabis.

The problem as I see it is that the environment that a cannabis user lives within, regardless if it's their "castle", is in this country a pretty hostile one, one where I've seen the push to close "head-shops", the so called hippie shops businesses that sold tie-dyed t-shirts, bongs, Indian apparel and other unusual clothing, exotic t-shirts, jewelry, rolling papers, cards  and pipes. They always had incense burning. I loved going into a head-shop. 

In NH I consider whatever the state had to do with prohibiting or closing down such shops operating legally, to be violation of NH Article 84. I believe it's time to Get together openly all of us in America and form forums of discussion and promote actions. We will have our differences. That's human nature. But we're intelligent people - without threat, we should be able to make a big difference in what this country is supposed to be about.

It is ironic that we have so much public support to legalize cannabis, all the obvious medicinal benefits; the great musicians who found inspiration using it; Movies, TV shows, and countless, thousands of books on the subject. Some of the topics are amazingly funny and there are parts where the actors outright mock the prejudice and laws against cannabis users as quite ludicrous. A couple movie suggestions:  "Harold and Kumar", "Cheech and Chong",; Cable TV: "Weeds", Comedians: Sarah Silverman.

My biggest disappointment was Michael Phelps, Winner of 8 Olympic Gold Metals - who failed to stand up against his accusers; Kellogg Co., and the "anti-drug" establishment. This photograph of him after he'd won the gold medals could have been a turning point in understanding, that smoking pot is not by nature a crime. He might just as well be having a beer; since in my opinion there's not much difference in pursuit of happiness, in the act. It does not harm people, nor apparently, if he actually inhaled, let alone if he ever used cannabis. But this photo, available here tells it all:

SOURCE:

This photo, more than anything, speaks about the prejudice born and now grown up about cannabis. We have blind drunk actors, unfaithful Presidents, perfectly sober terrorists, sinfully corrupt Wall Street Exec's... so WHY IS MICHAEL PHELPS THE BAD GUY??? What did he do? Why is it Michael Phelps felt the need to apologize? It's a picture of him with a bong, that's it!

Getting back to number one, what is now called marijuana, is really the target of the  "drug reform policy"  - the federal government and many state governments depend on it as the weather station. It's one of a few recreational drugs that leaves behind a signature tell-tale by-product that can be found in many people up to 30 days after it's use. This makes cannabis the ideal "tracking cookie" for the millions who prefer it to the potentially more harmful legal alternatives - alcohol and tobacco.

The "by-product is not THC - meaning the by-product itself is not psychotropic (producing a high). It's simply stored in fat cells much as ash left in an old campfire can be used to determine there once was a camp-fire. What makes this dangerous is the common misconception that cannabis use is associated with hard drug use, like crack, opiates, etc. ... which in my opinion is what scared Michael Phelps into apologizing and disappearing from the public light.

The federal government refuses to acknowledge the reality about cannabis, that it's essentially harmless when used responsibly. They refuse to reschedule it, from currently being a Schedule One Drug, which is simply bogus, and which laughs in the face of California residents, and millions of other supporters of legalization. The Obama administration did at least decide to let California do what it wants to do with minimal federal intrusion. So far he seems to be true to his word. And I appreciate that. But it's not enough. Not nearly enough.

I discovered after posting a reference to this phenomena on another blog, that not everyone is aware of the paranoia cannabis users may experience. I would like to point out it's generally temporary, and really does depend a lot of the person's environment. Cannabis users simply becoming more aware of their surroundings, and the people they're with. The fear general inspires a flight response, unlike alcohol which would more likely inspire a fight response.

These two phenomenon extent to the problem of driving an automobile. The person using alcohol tends to feel invulnerable and compelled to get in a car and show off, speed, push the petal. The cannabis user might be lulled into a sense that a car is an extension of freedom. Fine if they're the passenger, but not fine if you think driving 35 in a 55 is okay, or waiting an hour (an exaggeration of course - but even waiting 30 seconds is not okay) to make your turn. Some individuals believe they drive better under the influence of cannabis - and they'd be wrong. They are the people who should be subject to arrest, not those using it in the privacy of their home or with others. Know your plans for the next few hours after consuming any recreational drug. I strongly suggest you consider having a designated driver - a friend that doesn't indulge.

There's no reason for a user of cannabis, a natural plant with many beneficial uses, to be paranoid, and subject to the mayhem and indirect deaths that occur as a result of inappropriate government prohibition. Cannabis heightens awareness... and I must emphasize the paranoia one may feel is generally simply that - heightened awareness, of how a person feels. Fears of getting busted is a real fear. It's not an illusion.

To Be Continued...

"REEFER MADNESS" - 2010 - "DANGERS of MARIJUANA" - PART ONE

In my "introduction" I concluded with two links, 1) The Wall Street Journal - "Strapped Police Run on Fumes, and Federal Pot-Fighting Cash" and 2) Fox News - "Strapped U.S. Police Turn to Marijuana Busts for Cash".

*******

My goal here, is to present my view of the real dangers of what's called marijuana. In the early 1900's, Congress strongly pursued "Drug Reform and Enforcement". Opium was very easy to buy and very addictive... as was cocaine and a variety of other "personal medicines". The federal government passed two very strict regulations against "dangerous drugs" in the early 20th century:

I) 1906, Pure Food and Drug Act; which did more to "control drugs" than ensure pure food.

II) 1914, Harrison Narcotics Tax Act; to aggressively control opiates and cocaine.

Cannabis, was not among those considered... or, it was not considered a narcotic at the time, nor a dangerous drug.

Why? Because there really wasn't anything dangerous noted about it's use.

BUT NOW... thanks to an ongoing era of "Reefer Madness", started in the early 1930's and the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, THERE ARE NOW DANGERS. Mostly manufactured dangers, to support the fulfillment  of political prophecy, the likes of which make no sense to me. One danger, that it "causes brain-damage and death, quite unlikely, was served up after "researchers" did experiments on monkeys where the story goes, they put the monkeys in masks and forced them to breath cannabis smoke. Only cannabis smoke! Of course they either died or suffered brain-damage. Thus was born, "This Is Your Brain on Drugs".

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In one of the articles the law enforcement spokesperson stated it was "likely Mexicans growing the marijuana" in Northern California. Huh??? Is that statement suppose to justify eradication efforts - that it's "likely Mexicans, and NOT Americans?

What does it matter? It's illegal currently whoever is growing it, but to point at Mexican's in N. CA, is ludicrous. What is it about the anti-Mexican sentiment in this country??? Personally I'm opposed to the way I hear most Americans talking about Mexicans. It reminds me of my Native American studies and the way New America viewed Native Americans, calling them "Indians and savages", in colonial times, to justify eradication and theft of them and their lands.

Of course, though racism, is bad, is not like a cancer; it is more like a mold, or fungus, that is hard to prevent or remove, especially when so much money goes instead towards eradicating cannabis! And blaming the Mexicans.

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States also depend on "cannabis criminals" to provide money to their coffers too. It's become, what pays us more - putting generally harmless, peace-loving people through the judicial process, or taxing it as a medicine? And since when were "medicines" taxed?

Take NH for example... a state that is traditionally conservative, which feels marijuana is a danger to children, and ignores the fact two very dangerous drugs are already legal, that they endorse those, but cannabis - more return on making it's use a criminal offense.

In NH, possession of an ounce or under is a misdemeanor crime... it is considered similar to you suddenly attacking someone and nearly killing them! It's like a assault... or man-slaughter, and it doesn't take much marijuana to be subjected to this crime... just a pipe will do with residue in the pipe-bowl, days old - it can result in a punishment of a year in jail and a $2000 fine. Somehow the image of a person or persons smoking pot, passing a joint, doesn't seem like an assault to me, or it's equivalent..

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But, for those of you out there now smoking a joint (cannabis cigarette), or eating cannabis brownies, you might consider these current attitudes and penalties. Of course you don't have to, but then consider the fact that law enforcement and states need a lot of money right now, and cannabis is, their (pun intended) pot of gold. You are their livelihood.

Paranoid using the ganja? I don't wonder why. You have a right to be paranoid!!!

And that, is Danger # 2 with cannabis use!

"Paranoia".

Cannabis "heightens and enhances" awareness and attention to details. It seems to make one less hostile... more likely to avoid dangerous or risky situations. That's not a bad thing...  I  found I was more focused when studying for an exam, if stoned. Not scientific fact, of course, just my opinion, but the 3.9 gpa I got with my last college degree, in a "Medical Assistance" degree program, compared with the 2.0 gpa I averaged in high school, should amount to some degree of discounting the general myth that cannabis causes stupidity. I'd used cannabis nearly 20 years by then - so plenty of time for brain damage to occur, if it ever would.

To Be Continued

"REEFER MADNESS - 2010" : } The Dangers Of Marijuana : } Introduction

"Reefer Madness 2010":


Enough is enough already! It's like Orson Wells, "War of the Worlds", never went away. A myth that lingers... but a myth that hurts many people in so many ways. Marijuana Prohibition hurts people. And that's the one moral I believe in. "Do Not Hurt Others".

I believe the laws against cannabis are, to be blunt, completely "BOGUS." The laws prohibiting use and it's status as a "stepping stone to harder drugs", are anecdotal, and not based on any sound scientific research. In fact, what genuine research has actually shown, has produced a far different medicinal/recreational case than what many claim, calling it the "demon weed".

*******

The next few posts will conclude my "Cannabis Series"... I need to go back to the "History of cannabis' post, which is unfinished, but within these final few posts I will explore in, a literary sense, the dangers of marijuana, as seen today in 2010 - approximately 75 years since ganja/cannabis got renamed "marijuana", as an affront to Mexican immigrants, legal or not, in my opinion.

*******

This fall, Californian voters will cast ballots to determine whether cannabis should be legal for personal use. The surveys say, a majority of Californians support legalization. Most recently, despite threats from the state government, Massachusetts reduced possession of under an ounce of cannabis to the same as a traffic fine, and I read recently, the police usually let the people keep their weed.

Several states have legalized cannabis to some extent. But there is still a lot of misunderstanding as to what cannabis is, how it can be a a legitimate Federal Schedule One drug, and yet have obvious medical value; why exactly is it considered dangerous enough to authorize SWAT raids on families with children present? When the only crime committed is possession and use by adults in the privacy of their home.

I hope to address these questions and issues in the following posts.

*******

I know some may view this subject as being adult in nature, but may I suggest it's much more than that? When federal and state governments use the claim that cannabis prohibition is just and reasonable, because legalization will send the wrong message to those underage, and promote the use; not only of cannabis, but all other "street drugs", the message is wrong. A article I read a year or so ago actually found tobacco was the "stepping stone drug", but it gained no real attention, except to myself. 

The subject is one of teaching about drugs, legal or not. I almost died from alcohol poisoning at age 16... I had no idea how dangerous it could be. I got hooked on tobacco at age 14. Still am, and have quit countless times, for as long as 3 years, over the past 40 years since then.

Alcohol, as the 18th amendment proved, is non-prohibitive, which means, it can't be outlawed as it's a virtual impossibility. 100 years of Temperance movements beginning in the 1840's, and ultimately, it was total failure... Tobacco, which contains the narcotic drug: nicotine, would be equally non-prohibitive. Add in the societal acceptance of said drugs, and their popularity, you can see why they are rarely the topic of danger that street drugs are. Except for the "canned warnings" on the bottles and packs, we largely ignore them.

*******

Cannabis continues to this day to inspire so many people... and movies - think "Harold and Kumar" , and so many books. People, from everyday stoners, to Olympic Greats, like Michael Phelps, stars like Willy Nelson, Woody Harrelson, Sarah Silverman and Bob Dylan. Millions of Americans enjoy cannabis... and many have nothing to do with "hard drugs".

Based on my own survey (bottom of this blog), not only do the majority wish it were legal, but they prefer it to alcohol. According to research available at LEAP.cc , 99% of cannabis users have no interest in hard drugs.

*******

There is a vibrant, rich and hilarious history behind marijuana prohibition, beginning during the 1930's. That's interesting to consider. There is also a great tragedy that's been unfolding since then, and despite the best scientific and logical minds, we can't seem to get past the stereotypes. The harm suffered by American citizens due to "marijuana prohibition" is far, far greater than the alleged harm your average user is accused of causing. Yes, there are dangers with cannabis... as with everything, including drinking too much water. But with cannabis, it all begins with:

William Randolph Hearst, the magazine mogul, who was very active in promoting the anti-marijuana sentiment back in the 1930's. The reason: alleged prejudice towards Blacks and Mexican (illegal) immigrants. Modern DVD's can be found like the following, where you can see the fine art of anti-marijuana propaganda from back in the 30's. The reality is anything but what you'll see. And in my following posts I will attempt to clarify what the dangers of cannabis truly are. I provide a primer, below the following image.

ºººººººººººººººººººººº

THE DANGERS OF CANNABIS/MARIJUANA:

#1) The premise and reality that law enforcement in many parts of the country are "addicted to marijuana"... to the drug enforcement money provided by the federal government. Without this money, law enforcement would crumble. That according to the two articles/links that follow. And the average cannabis user, is caught in the "cross-fire", is LE's favorite target, with a huge disparity between Blacks and Whites incarcerated and in trouble with the law because of this feeding frenzy. I'm not making this up... Read about it below:

Law Enforcement Addicted to Marijuana: FOX NEWS, and here: The WALL STREET JOURNAL

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To be continued...

BOBKAT'S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRE - HISTORY 1776

Yes I celebrate the 4th of July... I also know somethings about the history, the founding of our Country...

There were 13 colonies in America in 1776... of the 13, 12 voted with the Declaration of Independence. It was a radical, and defiant document... against the King of England who oversaw all of colonial America. It was a document that was signed by our founders, like John Hancock, whose signature was "most flamboyant", and Ben Franklin, who by then was age 70: it was Franklin who famously said: “We must all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.”  It is that document, this defiance as American's that we celebrate.

This document also most clearly establishes the intentions and concerns that led to who we are  as Americans today, and our "fathers" original goal. Principal among them is this irrefutable truth:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."


When we talk about what is right or wrong, when we bicker among ourselves, point fingers at those who don't "think or act" like we do, we need to celebrate the fact that there are differences among us, as was the original belief among our forefathers, that led to the goal of this country, and learn to be tolerant of our differences, to work together.

From the following link, you can see Abraham Lincoln also believed, the key to understanding the US Constitution lay in using the Declaration of Independence as the source for interpretation  and understanding of the US Constitution.

Recent Supreme Court matters have often raised the question of how bound justices are to absolute "judgement of law based on law, and many senators believe justices to be mear instruments to make judgments. I strongly disagree. Supreme Court Judges, as all judges, must consider in both concretely and objectively, the truth. To do this based upon the key - our Declaration... the reason we are Americans today..

WIKIPEDIA LINK:
 "The passage: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident...' has often been used to promote the rights of marginalized groups, and (has) came to represent for many people a moral standard for which the United States should strive. This view was greatly influenced by Abraham Lincoln, who considered the Declaration to be the foundation of his political philosophy, and promoted the idea that the Declaration is a statement of principles through which the United States Constitution should be interpreted."

What have we accomplished in "Pursuit of Happiness"? Do we care about others as we do ourselves? Have we "voted" in a way that acknowledges the rights of others, though their pursuits are sound, though maybe not what we pursue.

Enabling an individual, which includes yourself, to be able to be happy, is a challenge when considering how strongly we feel about our own principles. How willing are we to accept those different from ourselves? The problem with the "civil rights " movement was it established laws and regulations, it failed to provide basic human rights... to make clear, there is no such thing as racism... it failed to emphasize that point.

Benjamin Franklin wasn't kidding about being strung up and hung! They were taking a very real risk! You didn't defy the King of England back then, and not hang by a rope until dead.

The American Revolution succeeded... not that everyone was in favor of it. Of course not. And that continues until today... it's what makes our country unique. Our ability to compromise, reason, accept, listen to, understand, and forgive... and become advocates and activists. It is the American Way.

What makes you happy?


HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!

Source:SD.GOV

INTERMISSION and GEORGE the Cat...

I'm going to post a short Intermission...

After "Getting Stoned on Sarah Silverman", I have to admit to having had a rebirth experience. I felt myself in my 20's again, but I know I'm not that. The experience nonetheless was rewarding. Imagine - a world of politicians, and no Sarah Silverman's... or Mary Janes... yeah... tough world... but Sarah is here... and Single... ahhh - to dream is to hope.

Expect more humor and satire in my next posts.... I've been thinking...

In the meantime... until then...

Here's a picture of George (yes, I called him Twearth previously, and he's not named after G. Bush, Jr.; he's named after George Harrison, the Beatle).

George is now around 7 yo, loves the outdoors, and is the perfect home and barn-yard cat...  he oversees two - three dozen free-range chickens... keeping the farm rodent free. He's received several medals (treats) already, and one big scare... one where I thought he was a goner.

But we found him, as dusk crept down in a pouring, cold rain... after an hour or more of searching in the nearby woods, with what seemed like a faint "meow" coming from what seemed, another dimension...  I narrowed him down to a certain area; my house-mate was searching elsewhere nearby.

It was really hard to look up... but I forced myself, trying to look up into hundreds of branches. The rain blurred my vision, my eye-glasses useless. But I saw him... So small up there on a branch... a15 pound cat, looking like a 5 pound drenched cat. He was perched at least 15 - 20 feet up tree, too scared to move.

We had to go to the barn, get a ladder and stretch up to reach him, and avoid getting ripped to shreds - he was scared. We figure a local predator like a bobcat, coyote, or fox scared him up the tree. The good news - much nature-smarter now... a very good cat.

George; 7 yo; 18lb; Adopted from the SPCA 2008

Paid to sleep on the job... when not protecting our property from rodents.

George is doing a Good Job!


My kind of work...

ICE 9.1 - STONED ON KURT VONNEGUT, JR., and HERMANN HESSE

My apology to Mr. Vonnegut... Kurt Vonnegut, the writer... for getting to him so late. I'm just getting around to acknowledge him, and the profound influence his novels had on me during my 20's, the 1970's... Hesse too.

I remember "Ice Nine" in particular, A story within the novel, "Cat's Cradle". The whole world turns to ice, due to a "stable polymorph" introduced into water. Everything dies... within hours, or minutes. And it happens, in Cat's Cradle. Can't help but compare it to the tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico - the "BP Spill".


Not exactly something to feel good about - stoned or not. In ICE NINE the world freezes completely. In the Gulf, everything turns to oil.

WIKIPEDIA LINK:
"Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (pronounced /ˈvɒnɨɡət/; November 11, 1922 – April 11, 2007) was an American novelist who wrote works blending satire, black comedy, and science fiction, such as Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), Cat's Cradle (1963), and Breakfast of Champions (1973). He was known for his humanist beliefs as well as being honorary president of theAmerican Humanist Association. He is widely considered one of the most influential American writers of the 20th century."

Vonnegut speaking in 2004

One of the effects of Vonnegut's books are how they blend together.. I've read and reread his novels, "Slaughterhouse five", for example, a novel with a very personal view of WWII. What gets me stoned is not because I have a rush reading Vonnegut, but rather... a connection - a high from connecting and living the stories. Like an out of body experience.

My mentor during the 1970's, Professor DS,  suggested that not only should I reserve some books for when I'm older -like over 50... but reread the ones that touched you when you were younger., back then in my 20's.


I can think of one novel in particular that I saved - by Hermann Hesse' , "The Glass bead Game"... I remember only that unlike his other novels, of which I read them all, "The Glass bead game" was mathematically challenging. I wasn't able to climb that peak, back then. But, soon... I will.


Authors like Vonnegut, Hesse, can heighten awareness, influence thoughts, change behavior. It's just like getting stoned on "marijuana". The only difference is that cannabis often provides a temporary, nitrous oxide effect (laughing gas), a rush of sorts... but then these novels do much the same... providing a high, and euphoria, as well as esoteric experiences.


WIKIPEDIA LINK: 

Hermann Hesse... maybe not what you picture for a spiritual guide... but similar to Vonegut, they're masters.

Hermann Hesse in 1927

"Hermann Hesse (July 2, 1877 – August 9, 1962)...  was aGerman-born, Swiss poet, novelist, and painter. In 1946, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature. His best-known works include 'Steppenwolf', 'Siddhartha', 'Narcissus and Goldmund', and 'The Glass Bead Game(also known as Magister Ludi)'. Each explores an individual's search for authenticity, self-knowledge and spirituality."


My own epiphany:

"What's that that makes us who we are? So elusive as to pay it no mind... you can ignore it, or embrace it. If you "embrace it", "IT has a right to BE too! You are not a god. You do not own it. If you ignore it, you ignore yourself, which in effect is taking your life for granted."

MARIJUANA OBSESSION - Autobiographical Critique

Face it old man - "you're obsessed with marijuana".

So I face it...

I look in a mirror; what do I see?

What I see is why I don't look into a mirror.

No, not anything bad, I'm really a good guy, I know that. Being obsessed with marijuana isn't what i see looking in a mirror... what I see is the challenge life has been and how fortunate I've been to have had the very unique experiences I have had, and to be able to look back on them.

But not in a mirror...

In a mirror I see a person alienated from his family, and society... for really asinine reasons. My choice at age 21, for example, to get a job as a custodian at a community college. It was my dream... but there was the disgrace it caused to my mother... and then there was sex, OMG, sex! Not a place we can go just yet... but let's consider an obsession towards knowledge, being human, fitting in, and finally, my interest in cannabis, which happened quite unexpectedly (and covered under earlier posts) actually.

My family mocked me as a "career student", since once I started using cannabis, I suddenly loved learning... and my job provided free tuition, so I could take any subjects I wanted... and I did, but alas, "the family rulebook", like the Supreme Court might rule, found that "career student" was an unacceptable use of my life.

Like Sarah Silverman, I just wouldn't "grow-up"!

I am, therefore, pretty much in self-exile from my family... in the 1970's we were expected to go to college, get a good paying job, get married, buy a house, have children, and grand-children, and die. College was but a stepping stone - one not designed or established so one would really learn, but an extension of high school, where you furthered your "prescribed" implant of information to go to the next square.

I blame a book my Aunt Helen gave me, Christmas, when I was 8yo, by Ray Bradbury - "R Is For Rocket", for making me different. Not cannabis or marijuana as many like to call it. Cannabis simply opened my eyes to the obvious... or what should have been obvious in my opinion... that education was and could be much more than the next square.

Having uncovered that secret however made me an outcast - yeah maybe in my own mind, but think about it - how many persons really look at college as a place of enlightenment, a place to learn, a place to become all you can? A place to research your most intimate interest, a place to socialize and find you're not so bad after-all...

If, like Sarah Silverman was able to do in her 2010 autobiography, I was able to do in my blog... I would not only feel very happy, but I'll bet, I could knock your socks off! The title of the book is "A View From Behind the Mop", and I've been working on it for almost 35 years... it's a story that happened by accident, when I chose the "road less traveled". What's ironic is that I didn't search for this road, it found me. As it should.

I had decisions to make for the first time in my life... and I embraced them, rather scared at first, but I did. But then, that "family rulebook" and almost daily calls from my mother, all starting out innocuous, but all leading to that rulebook, and to continued "parenting", which not only really annoyed me, but by age 21 that's an infringement.

Marijuana, happens to be a topic I've extensively researched since the 1970's... and had ample opportunity to experience first-hand. And to be quite honest, since I turned 50, like clockwork it seemed,  I haven't used cannabis very often since then, because pot is for young people. At least that's how the laws affect it's use, in my opinion. Instead, now I reflect on my life... smoke a lot of cigarettes and consume a lot of beer. Yes, and I do work 40 hours a week and commute an additional 17hours during the week. The irony - I've been told it's healthier drinking and smoking butts - Why? Marijuana is illegal, that's why.

Marijuana Prohibition is simply plain wrong. That's why i write about it... that and because my First Amendment rights permit me to. I'm also bothered by how cannabis, which was accepted in this country until 1937, suddenly became "the demon weed". If you've read my history of marijuana you'd see the term "marijuana" is directed towards Mexicans to begin with, and a prejudice... we called it ganjah, not marijuana. It became the target of immigration reform back in the 1930's... which then led to Reefer madness and the problems we have today, sorting truth from fiction.

Considering what's going on in our world, it's ironic that I find myself writing a blog that's considered "at the fringe", as I try and separate fact from lies. That the likes of people like Charles Manson and Joran van der Sloot are celebrities, getting numerous marriage proposals, and attention; that Wall Street needed us tax-payers to bail them out... hey, I could use a "bail-out" too!!!.

Marijuana is not the problem... Reefer madness is - the concept, the idea. It a comedy of tragedies... one that grows more elaborate and ludicrous every day. I need not remind my readers that on Change.org for 2010,  "legalization of marijuana" was voted the number 1 issue for reform in America.

I'm hardly alone... it turns out. Though I feel like I am.

STONED ON SARAH SILVERMAN ... *>* - Part 2

Sarah Silverman...

Someone survived. Wow...

What I mean by that... Sarah was refreshing, sincere, genuine, smart, bright and funny... she can tell it like it is, and she knows how it is. She's a comedian who knows the truth...

I completed her 5 CD Audiobook, "The BedWetter", published by Harperaudio.com this year. I spread it out over a week during my commute home in the evening. I love her voice, so the hard-cover version would be a reference - the only way to hear Sarah's story is on the audio CD.

I highly recommend it to anyone feeling down in the dumps... if you're feeling alone, feeling oppressed, feeling this weight from your right pressing down on you to behave in an orderly fashion, or if you simply feel weirded out by all the catastrophies of late... oh, and you're not offended by four letter words... I highly recommend her book.

Now I am an addict.

I researched her on Wikipedia:

Sarah Silverman - Link from Wikipedia:

Sarah Silverman

I read on another site where one critic's view was that she "never grew up".

I can identify with that kind of criticism. Seemed number one in my family. The whole idea of "growing up" is so abstract though. What does "growing up mean?" We all grow-up. We don't all "measure up".  Is that the difference?

To measure up requires a ruler, something history teachers loved to use in high school, back in my day. Why did they have to make history so painful? I guess those in Texas will soon find out... it's because history is prescribed, not taught, in many cases.

Sarah Silverman's biography on CD reopened a person huddled in a protective cocoon. The person was essentially letting go... becoming a lemming. Experience taught him - too many games, too many expectations, too many rules... it's a sacrifice alone having to work 40 hours a week for a strange company, who pays you so you can survive, and holds it over your head. We can take solace in the fact WE bailed out the corporations that caused it the 2nd Depression... because they have few rules, or did....

Sarah Silverman is a comic with exquisite insight into what makes us tick... some of us, that is. She has no qualms with using four letter words, nor speaking openly about religion, sex, politics, and farts... and that's... why she's unique. Normally there are ways to "make people grow up". Sarah is a survivor... she's retained her humanity.

I like this picture of her, courtesy of her father, Donald Silverman, and the LINK he provided, a "thank-you, in a comment he posted to my original Sarah Silverman post.

Sarah Silverman with Pres. Bill Clinton

Yes, my Netflix cue is loading up.... I'm hooked!

And Sarah, I agree totally that "PEE" is far better than "Pee Pee". What were they thinking???

"DUDE... What's With Your Blog?"

 I have a friend - truly, I do, and I've been encouraging him to visit my blog. You know, when you want an objective opinion, if getting an opinion from a friend is objective, but you know what I mean... someone who wouldn't be afraid to tell me "it's bad", or "wow, cool site man!"

So my friend goes to my blog and he writes back... "way too dark man, I can't read it".

Hmmm, I wonder... is his monitor brightness turned down, or what?

The next time I saw him I asked him to clarify, please.

"It's the green text... too dark."

I'd already figured that would be his answer, when I looked at my blog with an objective eye and I changed the green to an off-white. (He still think "black on white", but I'm firm on white on black).

So I asked him to look again.

He said, "Dude, your background, it gives me a head-ache."

"What?" I ask, honestly perplexed and now wondering why my friend is feeling the way he is. I like my blog, so what's up?

He told me, "I sent you an e-mail of your blog so you can see what I see... it's just too busy; can't read half the stuff, and your background... honestly, it's not good."

Well now I was hurt, and discouraged. Until I saw the picture he sent!

OMG... I was dumbfounded! "It doesn't look like that", I told him... it looks like this:

He was surprised! 

There's a logical explanation... one that plagues many web designers... making your blog compatible with different browsers. I use Google Chrome and Firefox... my friend uses Firefox. A really old version. I just now looked at my blog in my up to date Firefox and it looked good. Explanation... his browser is too old a version to support the template I'm using.

I asked him, "were you able to read any of my posts?"

"Obsessed", he answered. "Yes, a few of them".

"Obsessed by what", I asked?

He laughed.

"You mean pot?"

"Yeah".

Interesting I thought. "Well, you know", I told him, "I learned one must chose their battles wisely." I honestly believe cannabis prohibition is very bad policy, and it harms people in many ways, and compared to use of it, the punishments and hassles do not fit the perceived crime. American citizens are made victims by the very laws that simply don't make sense, in any way, to me. Yeah, so maybe I'm obsessed... but the simple (harmful) fact that cannabis is illegal means many law makers are equally obsessed. 

I asked my friend to update his Mozilla Firefox. I ask law makers to update the laws... stop making criminals out of people who enjoy cannabis... need I add - it is far safer than alcohol or tobacco. Regulate and Tax instead!!!