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Monday, January 18, 2010

"The Principle of Pot" -- new documentary about Marc Emery, Prince of Pot, released by Paul McKeever

Paul McKeever, leader of the Freedom Party of Ontario, lawyer, and long-time Objectivist, has released the first part of a two-part documentary about Marc Emery's life at midnight today.

Here's the press release about the documentary:

Just after midnight tonight, Ontario lawyer Paul McKeever will release Part 1 of "The Principle of Pot", his new two-part documentary about the nature and motives of Marc Emery, the media-dubbed Prince of Pot. Part 1 runs 1 hour and 39 minutes. Part 2 will be released at a later date. The launch is timed to precede a decision by Canada's federal justice minister, Rob Nicholson, about whether or not to approve the extradition of Emery to the United States, where he faces years of imprisonment for having sold cannabis seeds, in Vancouver, Canada, via mail order. The Minister's decision is expected within the next 81 days. Emery's opponents, and the U.S. authorities who demanded his arrest in Halifax, have attempted to portray Emery as a profit-motivated drug dealer. Part 1 of McKeever's documentary will cover the period up to 1990; a period during which Emery was equally active as an advocate of individual freedom, but whose advocacy of individual freedom did not include campaigns concerning the issue of cannabis prohibition. Being the result of countless hours of research, interviews, writing and editing, the video includes audio, video and textual information that has never been seen in any profile of Emery. Much of the audio and video having been drawn from the archives of Freedom Party of Ontario (with which Emery was active until 1990), it has never before been seen by the general public or media.

The first part of this documentary is worth watching. Apart from sharing Emery's early pro-liberty activism with the Freedom Party in London, Ontario, the documentary also presents a sympathetic explanation of Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism, and gives viewers something of a history of the individual liberty movement in Canada.

Here's the first segment, the second, third, and fourth segment are below the fold. We will, of course, post the next part of this documentary as soon as it becomes available:

Posted by P.M. Jaworski on January 18, 2010 in Marijuana reform | Permalink

Comments

The mere fact that the deportation order was not signed immediately proves that there is no political campaign against Emery. He's a nobody, contrary to his claims. He's nothing but a drug dealing criminal who will rot in jail for many years for his actions, not his antics.

Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2010-01-18 6:57:20 AM

Marc Emery is a terrorist. All of his money goes to support terror. He should be deported. I agree with Zebulon Pike that Marc Emery has a secret agenda.

Posted by: Shane Matthews | 2010-01-18 10:12:09 AM

Boy you guys don't waste any time flaming do you? As if you even believe what you say...

Posted by: Zebulon Matthews | 2010-01-18 11:02:33 AM

Maybe the order was not signed immediately is because they are politicians and want to gauge the winds before risking their paychecks. Maybe they are reading the posts in most online news sources that show most people are not behind Harpo's plans to lock everyone up. Maybe we should be looking at the root causes for what is known as criminal behavior instead of making up laws because we don't know how, or are unwilling to deal with the real cause. Its too bad society lags so far behind technology.

Posted by: Steve Bottrell | 2010-01-18 12:08:25 PM

No. Neither Mr. Harper, the savior of the national economy and of the Haitian people, nor any other official, is worried about his/her pay check. Nor are they particularly concerned about public opinion on this small, nearly trivial issue. To them, Emery is just another criminal. The status of existing laws concerning narcotics is secure, thanks in part to Bill C-15 and to the sheer incompetence and ineffectiveness of the other side. So, for the next five years, Emery and Mr. Harper will get what they deserve: Emery rots in prison, while Mr. Harper gets his long overdue majority. We truly live in a just society.

Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2010-01-18 12:31:18 PM

You are truly delusional. Do you have a Harper shrine in your closet? Harper did not save shit. The economy is trashed, all Harpo did is pass the debt on to the future. He is not the savior of Haiti any more than you are, since he is offering up your money. I love the offer from the government, "we will match the public's donations" WITH THE PUBLIC'S MONEY!" Lets hear how much the Conservative party members puts up out of their own pocket. Or any party for that matter.

To them, Emery is a problem larger than you think. I don't think they expected the backlash they received. Harper is going down in the polls and will go down in the next election. At best he will maintain minority status, simply due to unacceptable opposition. As soon as one of the opposition parties gets their acts together, Harpo will be a footnote. Oh, and Bill C-15 died on the floor Zeb. You don't read the news much do you?

"We truly live in a just society. " Your kidding right?

Posted by: Steve Bottrell | 2010-01-18 12:56:38 PM

Mr. Harper, God Bless Him, stopped Kyoto once and for all. He alone had the common sense to avoid that potential catastrophe. He MAY have borrowed too much in the past year, but that was insignificant to saving the entire economy from disaster under Kyoto. All the social services Canadians enjoy (and largely take for granted) are now secure. Iggy and Taliban Jack were willing to put them at risk. Saving them puts Mr. Harper into the highest ranks of of Canadian leaders.

Moreover, Mr. Harper saved many Haitian lives by acquiring the C-17 Globemaster cargo aircraft for the Air Force. Their availability allowed the DART team to get there within hours of the earthquake. Compare that to the pathetically slow deployment to the 2004-2005 Indian Ocean earthquake due to the unavailability of air transport. How embarrassing for the lazy Martin government, and how glorious for Mr. Harper.

There has been no backlash against Emery. He's not a concern for anyone but his supporters. We'll see in a few years whose legacy will be remembered: the selfish drug dealer or the best prime minister in Canadian history.

Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2010-01-18 1:30:46 PM

It would be good if some one could talk about the Documentary.

Posted by: gordzilla | 2010-01-18 1:45:44 PM

I will give Harper credit for not drinking the coolaid on Kyoto. But it remains to be seen if it means anything, as the cap and trade scheme seems to be appealing to them. Why? Money! Lots and lots of money for those at the top. And hardship and strife for everyone else. We don't need money, or government anymore. They are both outdated, obsolete concepts that need to be done away with for the benefit of mankind. The present system is broken beyond repair, but most are too blind to see this. And so we are doomed to repeat the errors that has plagued humanity since the system of scarcity was created. Errors like war, starvation, and classes. We no longer live in a time of scarcity, and haven't for centuries. But our system is still based on it. We live in an era of abundance. It is commonly known we could easily feed, clothe, and house everybody on this planet, but we don't. Why? Politics and profit. Instead of understanding this, we perpetuate the present system for the benefit of a few, while the majority suffers.

Posted by: Steve Bottrell | 2010-01-18 1:54:36 PM

"We'll see in a few years whose legacy will be remembered: the selfish drug dealer or the best prime minister in Canadian history."

Yes, we will see. Which will win out. Money, or self determination. I have to side with you here Zeb. Based on history, where money is #1 and all else falls before it, money is probably going to win. But then again, people are showing that there is profit to be made in legalizing, and as long as this is so, in the present system, legalization stands a chance. Ignore common sense, stats, and science. As soon as its figured out the rich can get richer, it will pass.

Posted by: Steve Bottrell | 2010-01-18 2:05:40 PM

Lol your right Gordzilla, my bad. I guess I better watch it :) I just looked at the comments and started in on Zeb. Ahhh a lazy day off....

Posted by: Steve Bottrell | 2010-01-18 2:10:35 PM

Posted by: Steve Bottrell | 2010-01-18 2:05:40 PM

Good perspective!

Posted by: Vegan Philosopher | 2010-01-18 3:56:39 PM

Let me first extend my compliments to Paul for putting together this fine documentary.

While I personally regard smoking marijuana as distasteful, I recognized that this is a personal preference. I have no right to impose on others my personal likes or dislikes. Punishing people for smoking marijuana is as absurd as punishing them for preferring chocolate to vanilla ice cream.

While a flood of risible claims have been put forth on the medical harm done by consumption of marijuana, this is little more than ex-post facto rationalizations. Some people find the consumption of marijuana to be injurious to the social fabric. They regard its effects, which are objectively comparable to alcohol in terms of impairment and long-term health effects, as sapping the "virtue" and "character" of its users. They then arrogate themselves the position of moral censor and proclaim its use verboten.

This mentality regards other human beings not as independent sovereign beings, but instead as serfs to society, or more precisely as serfs to the moral censors' own personal preferences. Live your life the way I want it, or else. It's a mentality suitable to an authoritarian state, not the Canada that once existed, and will exist again.

I provide the above as a preface. The reason people like me, who would never purchase Marc Emery's product in a million years, support his brave efforts is that he is defending the right of the individual to his own life. He refusing to exist as serf or slave of the busy body mentality.

The above documentary will provide an important tool in educating Canadians, and hopefully some of our American friends, about the efforts Marc Emery is fighting to defend the freedom of all of us. If we concede to the state the right to govern our own bodies, they may in principle do whatever they choose to us. The fight against the drug war is a fight to end a senseless carnage. It is a fight to re-establish the principle of the individual's sovereignty over himself.

Let me again thank Paul for his efforts, he is a man with many personal and business commitments, yet has made the time to produce this documentary. He has also been honest enough to show the differences between his beliefs and Marc's, in particular in highlighting Marc's support of anarchistic principles. We do need government, we need a small government and a strong one which strongly defends our rights, rather than the modern Leviathans we have today.

In closing let me above all thank Marc Emery. He is waging a vital battle in the war for freedom. If the alleged "conservatives" who run the federal government fail to grasp that, may we speedily have in power those who understand the principles of individual liberty this country was founded upon.





Posted by: Publius | 2010-01-18 5:35:30 PM

The only way to save Marc Emery now is to join our betting pool.. all new series / all new odds win exciting cash prizes..IF you back the right result..

Money/ mouth: you know the drill

$25 says His Majesty the Prince of Pot will be quietly cuffed and escorted to the border and delivered up to the US officials..and held in custody for sentencing.. remember, he plead guilty in advance, so huge swaths of political drama are eliminated.. just when is up for grabs, but we all know its very soon..

( low odds on this series as it's a sure thing )







Posted by: 419 | 2010-01-18 5:37:18 PM

oh ya, the movie...it is thumbs up all the way.

( will there be an premiere party with free food? )

Posted by: 419 | 2010-01-18 5:39:26 PM

I don't see how Emery defended anyone's freedom? He couldn't even protect his own. At no time did he fight the process and make turn his situation into a fight for liberty. Indeed, as 419 pointed out, he plead guilty and quietly agreed to his sentence. Even he realized that he was in over his head. What a loser.

If you want your cause to succeed, find someone who can win. Martin Luther King won many important victories for civil rights because he developed winning strategies - i.e. boycotts, fill the jails, embarrassing the authorities, raising public awareness by using the media, and his own personal example. Emery failed on every count.

Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2010-01-18 5:57:30 PM

King also succeeded, until his turn against the Vietnam War in 1967 anyway, because he had the ear and support of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Without his sympathy and ability to rally support in Congress (and dealing with recalcriant state governors like George Wallace), King would have been a lost cause.

Emery has no one in high office backing him. In fact, they steer clear of him. Why, you ask? Because he's a liability.

Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2010-01-18 6:06:26 PM

"The status of existing laws concerning narcotics is secure, thanks in part to Bill C-15..." writes a Harper-boosting, Emery-bashing commentator above.

Bill C-15 (among other legislation) died when Harper prorogued Parliament -- and while it will doubtless reappear, it remains to be seen how many Opposition MPs will support it a second time around.

Today (Jan 18), a new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds broad support for the legalization of medical marijuana - a move currently underway in New Jersey and the District of Columbia - and a majority says that if it is legalized, it should be available to any patient who gets a prescription.

More than eight in 10 in the new poll back legal medical marijuana, up significantly from a Post-ABC poll conducted in May 1997. Most, 56 percent, say if it is legalized it should be available to any patient, one in five favor a system where it would be available only to the terminally ill and the same share say it should be available to those with serious, non-fatal illnesses.

The shift in views coincides with growing support for the legalization of small amounts of marijuana for personal use. Overall, nearly half of all Americans, 46 percent, now back this idea, unchanged from this spring, but more than double the proportion saying so in the late 1990s.

In addition, on Jan 12, California's Assembly's public safety committee voted 4-3 on a measure that would tax and regulate marijuana in the same way alcohol is controlled i.e. legalize marijuana. (The legislation is not likely to come to a vote however as there are time constraints on any more legislation coming before the present Assembly.)

It is up to those who seriously study such matters to decide whether the "arc of history" is more likely to bend in Marc Emery's direction than in the punitive direction of Stephen Harper. It will not be the first time that a man in a jail cell may turn out to be more enlightened than those who oppressed him.

Paul McKeever is to be congratulated for producing an informative documentary.



Posted by: palinurus | 2010-01-18 6:35:56 PM

Nobody ever cared that the terminally have access to cannabis, no friction at any time..

You will always reap huge support in that one

What you will _not reap huge support for..' is party pot decrim or outright recreational use legalization. So the pro pot people are taking all this medicaL marijuana normalization as a victory to their struggle ??> how false and lame to steal the thunder of sick people and jerk it into politics.. how sad and weak

Why does society nod at the terminally ill using cannabis??? the terminally ill don't __normally__ drive in traffic, operate machinery, function in the workfirce or are applying themselves in education..

Posted by: 419 | 2010-01-18 6:59:13 PM

oh.. and the movie..yws,, facinating

this this freedom of choice thing

should be mandatory viewing

whew!.. it sure takes a looooong time to get to the points. part 1 was somewhat boring..Any Rand stills as she talks on and on.. part 2.. well marc as officiual shit disturber of the freedom party and paperboy.. zzzzzzz.. could have wrapped that all up in three minutes.. no, we get every sleepyfacet- the only thing really worth watching was Emerys'fro..

thats what you get

when you let a lawyer

direct a film

about a criminal...

Posted by: 419 | 2010-01-18 7:05:07 PM

What happens in New Jersey if you're caught with drugs without a state-issued ID? Busted.

Where's the progress if the conditions - and enforcement that goes with it - are worse than before?

This is a case of glorifying the most menial victories. it is such a waste of time. No wonder their cause has been a failure thus far.

Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2010-01-18 7:06:48 PM

Great documentary Paul. There is much in there that I did not know about Mr. Emery. And frankly, my admiration for the man has indeed, grown. Can't wait for part 2.

As to 419 and Zeb moaning about Emery caving in, give me a break. Of course he is gonna try to make a deal. 20+ years for selling pot seeds? Try him in Canada, in front of a jury of his peers, and most likely he would walk out of court a free man. This is just more Harper cowardice. He handed him over to one of the most oppressive regimes on the planet because he knows it wouldn't fly here. So is Marc wrong to take a deal? Of course not! He shouldn't even be going in the first place. Of course he is going to go quietly, but his message will be loud and clear. What do you expect him to do? Rambo the government? Go run and hide in the bushes? That's a Harper tactic.

Not a real mans tactic. So yes, he may have to serve 5 years in hell, and I admire him all the more for it. But he shouldn't be going at all.

A terrorist Matthews? Really? How do you figure that? Could you throw out a few more nonsensical theories or words? I need a good laugh to close the day. Maybe you could tie him to the mythical Al Qaeda? Or perhaps you could say he hangs out with the Taliban. The only terrorist here possibly is you, as I'm sure you would happily kill in the name of your god.

Posted by: Steve Bottrell | 2010-01-18 7:18:30 PM

Every day of my life I am thankfull for people like Zebulon Pike, because without their consistent and blind support of "drugs are wrong" I would be put out of buisness. Yes legalization would put me bankrupt, prices of these so called "narcotics" would plummit and would make many people like myself not nearly as rich as we all are. So thank-you once again Mr./Ms. Pike for your never ending support of the black market. Regardless of whatever bullshit these legalizers talk about I will always have people like you who support legilization that makes it just that more worth it to break the law in the name of the almighty dollar.

Posted by: Never Legalize | 2010-01-18 7:22:49 PM

Also, great post Publius, that's more like it. Instead of quoting dead people and wishing for a time gone by, we should be working on progress, going forward, not backward. I understand your quotes of others have meaning, even in todays messed up world, and we can learn from them, but I prefer your own thoughts and opinions. They tend to be more relative to our times.

Posted by: Steve Bottrell | 2010-01-18 7:25:15 PM

..Ot is no secret that most- 80% of the Emerty Gang contraband pot seeds were sent to the USA.. His majesty clearly states this ratio.

So the major impact His Majestys' " Overgrow the Government" was aimed at overgrowing the US govt- the damage was rendered at America from his sfaebase in Vancouver-- the damaged party was the United States, and Emery already proudly, loudly plead guilty -- immediately after his co accused ratted him out at thew DEA headquarters in the USA in exchange for a way tiny sentence.. Open and shut case here- America damaged, America will punish the guilty.

the USA has every legal and moral right to extradite Emery to America and if a US Judge rules so, imprison him there for drug crime.

What makes stoners imagine Emery would only receive a $200 fine for his seed selling crimes in Canada? He is a long term, unrepentant multiple offender, this is his third strike, and if its $200 fine _per offence, and he shipped millions of seeds not just to the USA but worldwide,, that trespass would scoop his majesty an _easy DECADE in a canadian prison for that level of criminal activity by a repeat offender..

Where do you wipeheads get the idea its ok to break clearly described international law? Do you ignore all this just because you don't like it ? The Prince of Pot will serve several years in jail no matter who nails him. If you are so concerned, mail $25 to his lawyer and appeal this..

but you won't- bitching is just so much easier





Posted by: 419 | 2010-01-18 7:37:49 PM

Uh, in what way has Mr. Harper's government been directly involved in the persecution - heh, I meant prosecution - of Emery? As far as I can tell, they played no role at all. Emery isn't important enough to merit their attention. Blaming them for his predicament omits many important facts and processes. But the drug-fried brains of Emery and his "supporters" cannot see that. They need a scapegoat. Fortunately, they only make themselves appear more ridiculous.

Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2010-01-18 7:51:18 PM

"I will always have people like you who support legilization that makes it just that more worth it to break the law in the name of the almighty dollar."

Posted by: Never Legalize

As if it wasn't worth keeping marijuana illegal to watch people like you squirm.

Posted by: Timothy Zak | 2010-01-18 8:19:59 PM

Timothy it appears as though you and the other tight sphincters here are the only ones squirming. We are free, relaxed and confident that evolution will take care of your kind as it always has.

Remember that the catholic church once prohibited garlic.

You controlling fools, angry as the sand slips through your fingers.

Posted by: Phil McKrakin | 2010-01-18 8:46:10 PM

"...You controlling fools, angry as the sand slips through your fingers...."

- didn't I read that in a Batman comic..?

oh well,we know how it ends up for the colourful linguistic villains who call everybody "fools".. they fall backwards onto some vat of acid yelling " Curses Foiled again ! "



------------- advertisement -------------

this is a great time to bet $25 $35 even $50 to back up your wipehead views that Emery will miraculously escape his fate in a US prison or double jeopardy odds that the weed of Doom will be legalized in this lifetime..



"...talk is cheap but money gets the lawn cut..."





Posted by: 419 | 2010-01-18 8:56:06 PM

If national public opinion means anything to commentators here... it is worth noting that in 2008 an extensive Angus Read poll revealed that 53% of Canadian favored the legalization of marijuana.

Canadian Majority Would Legalize Marijuana

May 13, 2008 - Angus Reid Global Monitor Full Report

"53% of Canadians support the legalization of marijuana"

The concept has the smallest percentage of support amongst seniors... who apparently are quite content with alcohol and voting for the Conservatives. Seems to be part of a mindset.

Posted by: palinurus | 2010-01-18 9:05:10 PM

Since Canada is the USAs wiping boy, under Harpo especially, we must acknowledge that the laws have to change there first, before it can be done here. Your deluded if you think that is not the case. So the tactic "overgrow the USA government" is sound, if we want to effect change here. Did you know most seeds come from Spain and Italy? What do you think would happen if the USA demanded citizens from those countries be extradited for this so called crime? The US would most likely be told to mind there own damn business. Much like Canada should have done. There is no shortage of made in the USA seeds and seed sellers, so why go after someone in another country to make a point? Because Marc offended some bible thumpers in the US, that is why. Ashcroft and Buchanan clearly had it in for him, like they did for Tommy Chong.

Exactly what is "international law"? Did we get to vote for it? No, we did not. So, such laws are offensive to democracy, if we lived in one as we like to claim. The Canadian government should protect all Canadians living in Canada, and abroad if possible, from outside influences. We should not be in lock step with the USA. We are a sovereign country capable of looking after our own. We do not require or want outside influence. I say we as a country, not me and my buddies by the way. "International Law" is a joke, played on the world population. Many countries ignore it if it suits them. And so should we.

To say so callously that Marc's co-workers ratted him out is absolute bullshit. Marc turned himself in to save them from an excessive prison sentence. Admirable I would say. The government just wants to silence the righteous thorn in their sides, and how do all governments do this? Prison or death.

As to this statement

" What makes stoners imagine Emery would only receive a $200 fine for his seed selling crimes in Canada? He is a long term, unrepentant multiple offender, this is his third strike, and if its $200 fine _per offence, and he shipped millions of seeds not just to the USA but worldwide,, that trespass would scoop his majesty an _easy DECADE in a canadian prison for that level of criminal activity by a repeat offender.."

I don't think anyone has gone to jail for this offense in Canada. And certainly not for years. And in Canada, we don't have a stupid 3 strike law. Nor should we ever. And its not "per offense". There is no way he would ever serve a decade in a Canadian prison for this. And how is "America" damaged by his activity? Please try and be concise.

Uh Zeb? Is Rob Nicholson part of the Harpo government? Did he not roll over for the DEA of the USA? Good boy, here's your treat. And persecution is the correct term here. I wonder who truly appears to be more ridiculous, mister anti-Toronto.



Posted by: Steve Bottrell | 2010-01-18 9:11:10 PM

"The Prince of Pot will serve several years in jail no matter who nails him. If you are so concerned, mail $25 to his lawyer and appeal this..

but you won't- bitching is just so much easier"

But you don't have to mail money to anyone to support your side, its being stolen from us. How is that fair? Perhaps the government should steal money from us to support Marcs defense? At least that would fair.

Posted by: Steve Bottrell | 2010-01-18 9:32:42 PM

All of Steve Bottrell's statements are pompous ramblings. Nowhere in the actions of any government in the Emery case is any hint of personal animosity or anxiety. He's just another perp who got caught. Now he's going through the system that many others have done before him, and many others will after them. Emery's supporters, on the other hand, view this event personally, and subsequently respond emotionally. This was to be expected, and just as quickly dismissed. Ho-hum. Sucks to be him,.

Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2010-01-18 9:58:54 PM

>>>But you don't have to mail money to anyone to support your side, its being stolen from us. How is that fair? Perhaps the government should steal money from us to support Marcs defense? At least that would fair.>>>

the Wipeheads have had 70 years of prohibition to get it together & overturn the law. They not only failed, but they never even tried: they had smoke ins and walkathons and unfocused rallies instead. They Wipeheads failed to support each other in times of peril, foolishly applauded the contraband merchants and watched them get picked off, one at a time and totally neglected to support any legitimate candidates to carry their message to their capital cities. Pathetic.

Stoners are easily distracted, selfish cry babies and you know it

fair? We are running a fair show, its called democracy- and so far, demicracy has no time for wipeheads. behold, four consecutive generations who do not welcome Wipeheadism, who have elected representatives, from a wide range of political parties to maintain social policies discouraging wipeheadism in general..If stoners want to blame all their woes on prohibition itself, fine. Nobody really cares what a few over heated irrational stoners demand when they have shown themselves to be an ad hoc herd of chemically compromised short sighted, selfish nitwits?

They think they are all something special, but to everybody else, they come off as if there is something very wrong with them.

Pan Stonerism, as you can plainly see, is not welcome by your fellow citizens, here in Canada nor in any other nation on earth. If Stoners want to prevail, they will have to evolve past where they are now, in a huge way and really really fast. Chances of that happening any time soon?

So we spent our money to fight the dominance of wipeheads, and it seems to be prevailing. Don't like it? Maybe do something about it rather than bitch.

Or you can wait for Marc Emery to get out of jail in 2015..but he will just tell you the same thing - do something about it rather than bitch. He's not going to jail for _your sins, he's going to jail for his own sins

Posted by: 419 | 2010-01-18 10:03:09 PM

Hey Zeb phhhhhhht!! Sucks to be you, I'm sure. You sound like such a happy guy. Surrounded by friends and family who adore you. Hmmm somehow I don't see that. Ditto for you 419.

419, you make it sound like pot smokers are a group that goes to meetings every week. Oh wait, that's religion. Its not so easy to upset the apple cart, when so many fools are on it. Well, you can do what ever you like, and pontificate all you want, not going to amount to anything, much like my ramblings. I just do it for fun. Something to do. Whats your excuse? I love how you think you speak for everybody. "Our money"?? You sent in money to fight the wipeheads did you?

Yup, good thing too. Wouldn't want that wipehead philosophy of peace and brotherhood to get around. Might cause a war to stop.

I do what I can afford to do, which isn't much other than talk to people at the moment. And so far, I would say that over 80% of the people I talk to agree with me. Starting a new business is expensive and time consuming. But once things are rolling again, I will do my part. How about you? Will you stand up for your side, other than uttering drivel on the WS? No, you don't have to, the government does it for you, and your not threatened with jail or fines. So spare me your get out and fight BS. Your too much of a coward to even post your name. I can't afford to go to jail or pay fines right now. But I can cast a vote, and it won't be for your bully boy. Oh, and you are truly deluded if you think this country is in any way a democracy. There is not, and has never been a democracy on this planet. Not that democracy is a good way to run a country, cause it isn't.

Posted by: Steve Bottrell | 2010-01-18 11:36:46 PM

"..."Our money"?? You sent in money to fight the wipeheads did you?..."

**yes its called Income tax, and GST,, pays for the society you enjoy but are crapping on right now

"..Yup, good thing too. Wouldn't want that wipehead philosophy of peace and brotherhood to get around. Might cause a war to stop...""

**that growing stack of bodies in Mexico... all wipehead action all the time.

"...I would say that over 80% of the people I talk to agree with me. .."

**that's what ghettos do, narrow your aspirations to a single beam of possibilities

"...No, you don't have to, the government does it for you, and your not threatened with jail or fines...""

*** that's the downside of heroic felony hobbies, jail and fines. Did you ever notice that not everybody is a wipehead and the straights don't fear the police or go to jail or pay fines? or have overdoses. get ripped off or get shot?

Now Steve maybe this wave of crabby will pass, if yoiu pout what's left of your mind to it

You embrace pretty much everything the world dislikes about wipeheads & their apologists: crabby snitty and chock full of woe is me persecution fantasies..

for heavens sake- Cheer up. * & really, where do you come up with projections that people who don;t thumbs up your slum hero dope value system have no friends? Mine are looking at me type right now, laughing at you moaning like a goat.



Posted by: 419 | 2010-01-19 12:14:40 AM

Even Nelson Mandela and Gandhi had a secret agenda and the worlds a better place.

Posted by: knowa | 2010-01-19 12:17:48 AM

I don't read comics and I don't hide behind a moniker.

Posted by: Paul Hanson | 2010-01-19 12:26:00 AM

You don't come across as a friendly person, that's all I'm saying. I have no idea really. About anybody here. So I have to base it on how, and what you write. It really is just a dig, like your wipehead term. I don't like that term, it feels like your calling me "nigger". I picture you and Zeb as crotchety, bitter old farts who just can't wrap their minds around change. And guys like that don't have a lot of friends. But I'm sure I'm wrong. You probably think I'm a long haired hippy treehugger and living in a ghetto apparently. But thats cool man, nothing of what either of us says here is going to change anything. So if I feel like ranting, what the hell, tell me where I am wrong, and we can argue about that.

Mexico body count. Money not pot.

If smoking pot wasn't illegal, I wouldn't have any reason to fear the police. I, and most other pot smokers are not a threat to anyone. We are mostly law abiding in all other respects, and statistically more successful than you so called "straights". By straights I guess you mean people that don't smoke pot. And of course we know that people who don't smoke pot are all perfect shining examples of humanity. Ahhh the hypocrisy.



Posted by: Steve Bottrell | 2010-01-19 3:00:41 AM

Let’s face it this all about Marc Emery having had the audacity of his giving money to anti prohibition groups. There are thousands of seed venders out there including the old hemp bird seeds we use out there.

Its freedom of speech as a New Hampshire thinker its time to live Free or Die.



Posted by: knowa | 2010-01-19 3:15:44 AM

Steve,

Have you ever noticed ZP never addresses anything in your posts? When you directly refute what he's saying, he completely switches gears. He's either messing with you, or very, very dense. I'd suggest you save your typing for someone that is worth the effort ;)

Posted by: Charles | 2010-01-19 5:39:13 AM

Let's be honest. Here's my opinion: Emery Failed because of his fat Ego.

1. The BC Marijuana Party (BCMP) exists on paper only. Even Emerys wife is going to run for the BC Green Party (again), and not the failed BCMP.

2. Canada's weed laws are becoming more oppressive, NOT more lenient. Emery's "tour" smoking weed with teens pissed people off and backfired.

3. He is stupid to surrender. If he surrenders to the USSA he ain't coming back, ever. When he completes his federal sentence he will find out that Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, and other redneck states have their own state extradition warrants for him. He will do time in one state after another until he is old and senile. That's how "Amerikan Justice" works.

Don't go dude - but please tone down the fat ego, and quit pretending to be the world's only activist. You look stupid and narsiccistic when you try taking credit for the progress made by activists in California, Oregon, etc. Theres lots of other seed companies in Canada.

Emery - You ain't no one man Army.

Posted by: Zeke Budsmoker | 2010-01-19 7:21:35 AM

"While I personally regard smoking marijuana as distasteful"

Posted by: Publius | 2010-01-18 5:35:30 PM



Which defintion of distasteful,because it matters a great deal?

I don't think the rest of your piece makes it clear because if its "b" or "2" then the rest of what you wrote is a ruse to lure the cannibis symps into your camp.

Distasteful:

1.

a. Unpleasant; disagreeable: found cocktail parties distasteful.

b. Objectionable; offensive: used distasteful language.

2. Expressing aversion or dislike: shot me a distasteful glance.



Posted by: Vegan Phil | 2010-01-19 8:05:24 AM

Your right Charles, but it gives me something to do other than stare at the TV. So I don't mind. Its kind of therapeutic. It engages my mind to think about things that I haven't thought about before. I would rather it be constructive, but what the hell, can't change the world on the WS blog :) At least I don't think so.

Vegan,I think Publius was just saying its not his thing, not to put words in his mouth. At least he understands its about freedom of self, and doesn't buy the evil marijuana propaganda. If I'm wrong, I'm sure he will tell us.

Posted by: Steve Bottrell | 2010-01-19 11:33:07 AM

Mean and unreasonable comments on this blog underscore the fact that Emery is succeeding in his goal to gain publicity for his cause.

Truth ultimately prevails, since Health Canada just approved a BC man's 200 plus pot plant grow, and a few years ago, the US Department of Health and Human Services applied for and received a patent on the medical applications of cannabis' active ingredient.

Even as New Jersey joined 14 other US States to legalize medical mj, hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of US arrests depend on the demonstrably false claims denying marijuana's medical use in the United States.

In the meantime, those dismissive of Emery's sincerity or techniques miss the bigger picture: Like him or no, sympathetic or not, every newspaper article, letter to the editor or blog post draws attention to Marc's mission.

Extradite Emery and YOU hand him his pedestal, soapbox, bullhorn, and attention to his plight. YOU generate calls for his release and perhaps even restitution for him and the hundreds upon hundreds of thousands arrested every year on both sides of the border.

The Marc Emery haters out there will not bother researching cannabinoid applications involving neurogenesis, apoptosis, or anything else on the Storm Crow list. They will carefully ignore the facts exposed in the Canadian Senate reviews of pot's safety and efficacy earlier this decade.

For them and all prohibitionists, the truth about weed and Mr. Emery himself is a giant "tar baby".

Thank God for the sticky icky.

Posted by: Historicus | 2010-01-19 11:35:38 AM

hey Steve.. thanks for your projection thzat Honourable Zebulon and me can't wrap our heads around change,,

Maybe consider the 70s, 80s & 90s are over, and that brief fling society had experimenting with drug intoxication and exploring where getting drugged up really takes people ..

Well them days chemical induced fuzzy logic are actually... >> over.. and society has moved on and left you & your fellow wipehead lumber behind.Far behind,, far far far behind..

Maybe wrap your head around that, that the tide is out and left the wipeheads and their drugged up value system somewhat high and dry..

get it? official joke back there..

" HIGH " and dry

being stoned is not welcome, anywhere on this planet in the 21st century..the last self medicators are so desperate to wipe their heads that the evil criminal gangs deliver their dope ar huge profits, shooiting anybody who gets in their way. Its the demand for dope from the wipehead community that brought this drug war on, prohibition is not responsible - and you know it

read the weather- the sun is not shining on Wipeheadism..as you can clearly see, abnd as you point out- nor is it likely to, in your lifetime. The winds of change have already blown through and, I guess you missed it.

Posted by: 419 | 2010-01-19 11:38:21 AM

Hey, if you say so 419. Doesn't look that way down here in the cheap seats tho. Looks like the sun be coming up in wipehead land in my opinion. But you cling to your notions. I'm sure it helps you sleep. lol And you are always welcome to be stoned around me, just leave your booze at home. Can't stand drunks.

Posted by: Steve Bottrell | 2010-01-19 11:46:08 AM

ABC News reports this morning (Jan 19) that in a new poll, 81% of American approve of the legal use of medical marijuana.

In addition, the poll reports movement on the legalization of marijuana generally. As follows:

Apart from medical marijuana, there have been recent efforts to decriminalize marijuana more broadly in some states. A preliminary vote on one such measure is to be held in the Washington state Legislature this week. In California organizers say they've collected enough signatures to hold a statewide referendum on the issue next fall. And a separate proposal in California to legalize and tax the drug cleared a legislative committee last week. A Field poll there in April found 56 percent support for the idea, which its backers say would raise $1.3 billion a year.



Nationally, this survey finds 46 percent support for legalizing small amounts of marijuana for personal use – the same as it was last spring, and well above its level in past years, for example 39 percent in 2002 and 22 percent in 1997.

GROUPS – Age is a factor. Just 23 percent of senior citizens favor legalizing marijuana for personal use; that jumps to 51 percent of adults under age 65. There are political and ideological differences as well: Thirty percent of conservatives and 32 percent of Republicans favor legalization, compared with 49 percent of independents, 53 percent of Democrats and more than half of moderates and liberals alike (53 and 63 percent, respectively).

----------------------------------------

In Canada, an Angus Reid Poll from 2008 found that 53% of Canadians favoured legalization of small amounts of marijuana for personal use.

While some people in this forum seem to think that bashing Marc Emery is an intelligent way of discussing marijuana generally, the fact is... even in the land of the "war on drugs" to the South, there is significant movement towards a less punitive position on marijuana.



Posted by: palinurus | 2010-01-19 11:53:54 AM

and 98% of wipheads think marijuana is great and cures cancer...so what?



Re: theories that it is less punitive in the US these days concerning pot?

-ask Marc Emery about that one.. but hurry je is off to the USA any day now to give a five year hands on workshop about overgrowing the government to a captive audience...





Posted by: 419 | 2010-01-19 12:09:42 PM

The only relevant question here is whether or not human beings have the right to control their own bodies. I'm with Publius. I don't like pot (the smell, how it made me feel the few times I smoked in university, etc.), but I (or anyone else for that matter) do not have the right to dictate what others can do with their own bodies. Period.

Posted by: Charles | 2010-01-19 12:37:45 PM

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