There are already 400 members of the free state project in NH right now. You are super activists that have more motivation and passion than a normal activist or citizen.
Together you have the power to focus your energy into projects in order to attain a goal. There are many possible projects, but one of the most glaring infractions of liberties is the Drug War. This war is mostly supported by and revolves around marijuana prohibition. This prohibition causes so much damage to society and is an injustice and illegal war.
11 states that do not have 400 members of the free state project have been able to decriminalize marijuana as a first step in reducing the harms of marijuana prohibition. I put forward that the 400 of us should be able to lobby for this goal and attain this goal in the near future. I also believe the drug war is probably the most hated and harmful illegal policy the free staters would enjoy working against.
Are we 400 all in contact by email? What do you think?
There should at least be a way to be in contact just to informally work together and think of focusing and creating projects.
This way we can attain our goals in a much more timely fashion. Do all 400 members know of this website forum?
Thank You, please speak your thoughts on the Drug War Project.
Quote from: razer7echo on July 10, 2006, 02:00 PM NHFT
There are already 400 members of the free state project in NH right now. You are super activists that have more motivation and passion than a normal activist or citizen.
Together you have the power to focus your energy into projects in order to attain a goal. There are many possible projects, but one of the most glaring infractions of liberties is the Drug War. This war is mostly supported by and revolves around marijuana prohibition. This prohibition causes so much damage to society and is an injustice and illegal war.
11 states that do not have 400 members of the free state project have been able to decriminalize marijuana as a first step in reducing the harms of marijuana prohibition. I put forward that the 400 of us should be able to lobby for this goal and attain this goal in the near future. I also believe the drug war is probably the most hated and harmful illegal policy the free staters would enjoy working against.
Are we 400 all in contact by email? What do you think?
There should at least be a way to be in contact just to informally work together and think of focusing and creating projects.
This way we can attain our goals in a much more timely fashion. Do all 400 members know of this website forum?
Thank You, please speak your thoughts on the Drug War Project.
Most know the site exists. Not all post here.
Unfortunately, while many of the 400 may agree that the Drug War is a bad idea, they may not all be motivated to take action on this issue, as each individual has different issues of importance.
That said, ending the Drug War is a key issue of mine, and I should be instate this fall. Look forward to working with you.
It's not a project I'd lead, but I'd help if someone else was doing it. I print articles against the drug war whenever I can.
Razer my experience has been that it is most effective to take quick simple action on your own without waiting around for the group. But inform us of the action that you are taking, beat on your chest, and a few of us will probably act on our initiative to support you if needed.
There are a hundred things you can do even without our help....write an LTE to the Union Leader in response to their latest drug war article. Call Free Talk Live and tell them what's going on in relation to that issue in New Hampshire. Show up at a busy intersection with a sign that articulates your viewpoint - and maybe an NHfree.com URL :) I've done all these things...but the best thing is when you do something we would never have thought of.
Can you think of some things *I* can do for you this month that would assist you in attaining your goal of a drug-war-free new hampshire?
Here's what I did last month:
LTE for Keene Sentinel
Dear folks at the Sentinel:
With regard to your June 26 article "Drug deaths spike in N.H.," I have questions.
The state bureaucrats you quote seem very eager to express to us the extent to which drug deaths are up since 1995. But aren't they (and other government officials) the ones to whom we have expensively delegated the task of "stopping drugs?" How good a job have they done with the millions they have taken from taxpayers?
How does the per capita drug death rate today compare with that of 1900, when there were *no* drug-fighting bureaucracies, when heroin was a widely prescribed pain medication and soft drinks contained cocaine? How many drug-related shootouts were there on our streets back then? How many gang executions and baseball bat murders?
Is it possible that the war on drugs has increased our nation's drug woes and those of our state? Is it possible that curtailing the former may curtail the latter, as it has in Holland? Is it likely that any of the reigning drug bureaucrats will admit this, when their jobs depend on continuing their war against our freedom to decide what does and doesn't go into our own bodies?
I happen to feel that stopping educational indoctrination and reclamation of parental rights is more important than a joint at the moment.
Quote from: Rodinia on July 11, 2006, 01:43 PM NHFT
I happen to feel that stopping educational indoctrination and reclamation of parental rights is more important than a joint at the moment.
I agree that people have their different fights.... although the 'drug war' is a major source of power and huge cost for us 'people'.
Quote from: Rodinia on July 11, 2006, 01:43 PM NHFT
I happen to feel that stopping educational indoctrination and reclamation of parental rights is more important than a joint at the moment.
Ending the Drug War is not about fighting for the right so smoke a joint. That is not the great harm that is caused by the drug war. The harms are the peaceful people's lives that are being atacked by the government and ruined. These people aren't hurting anyone and they are being pursicuted. 1.5 million people are arrested in the drug war EACH year and 69 Billion dollars are spent EACH year. These lives are being lost.
Children don't typically hurt anyone either yet they are held capitive in a tax payer funded classroom 5 days a week 10 months per year to the federal tune of over 100 billion dollars, not counting state expenditures. These are innocent lives that are being ruined.
Kat wins.
Wait, am I allowed to hate both compulsory schooling and the drug war, or do I have to choose?
Quote from: Braddogg on July 12, 2006, 09:45 AM NHFT
Wait, am I allowed to hate both compulsory schooling and the drug war, or do I have to choose?
Pick one Brad quick!! and no you can't switch!
You also cannot hate taxes or illegal foreign invasions.
I don't have kids, but even if I did, I'd still consider the Drug War a prime issue. Drug illegality puts kids in danger.
Anyway, people will focus on what they want, so if you are working on educational freedom, perhaps you should be posting in a education-related thread, Rodinia.
By the way, I want to end government schooling too, it's a tangent from another big issue of mine, Property Taxes.
Sorry about that. I let my frustration for dopers get the better of me. Points all well taken.
I'm curious, why are you frustrated for dopers?
Michael Edelstein is coordinating legislation to fully legalize small amount of MJ (exact amount is being hashed out). Apparently the chairmain of the House Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety has come out saying he'll work with us on this issue. If you don't have Michael's email, contact me (PM or email) and I'll connect you.
Also, the former head of NHORML (New Hampshire Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) is running for House Rep: Phil Greazzo. If you want a MAJOR pro-marijuana guy on the "inside" in government, please help us to help get him elected!! Phil is having a BBQ and fundraiser tomorrow (Sunday 7/16). I'll post a calendar entry in a moment; if you run across this post too late, please do contact Phil anyway and ask how to help his campaign!
Thanks for sharing the encouraging word on this front d.
Small amount = 1/4 pound?
Quote from: d_goddard on July 15, 2006, 07:29 PM NHFT
Michael Edelstein is coordinating legislation to fully legalize small amount of MJ (exact amount is being hashed out). Apparently the chairmain of the House Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety has come out saying he'll work with us on this issue. If you don't have Michael's email, contact me (PM or email) and I'll connect you.
Also, the former head of NHORML (New Hampshire Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) is running for House Rep: Phil Greazzo. If you want a MAJOR pro-marijuana guy on the "inside" in government, please help us to help get him elected!! Phil is having a BBQ and fundraiser tomorrow (Sunday 7/16). I'll post a calendar entry in a moment; if you run across this post too late, please do contact Phil anyway and ask how to help his campaign!
Is Michael coordinating this for NH or where he lives?
How is Phil Greazzo on other issues?
Tracy
Quote from: tracysaboe on July 16, 2006, 01:27 AM NHFT
How is Phil Greazzo on other issues?
Being discussed here:
http://forum.soulawakenings.com/index.php?topic=4436.0
Quote from: d_goddard on July 15, 2006, 07:29 PM NHFT
Michael Edelstein is coordinating legislation to fully legalize small amount of MJ (exact amount is being hashed out).
Why not follow exactly what ME did? Copy their MM bill. After that, copy their small fine bill. Then, after NH has the best pot laws in the nation (it already has the most users per capita), we push for Michael's bill (when it is much more likely to pass).
how about we push for Micheal's bill first -- and then if it does pass, compramise to Maine's versions.
Tracy
Quote from: tracysaboe on July 16, 2006, 10:56 AM NHFT
how about we push for Micheal's bill first -- and then if it does pass, compramise to Maine's versions.
Tracy
How about you tell us what you are talking about? Oh, and make your sig file shorter...
Quote from: Keith and Stuff on July 16, 2006, 12:11 PM NHFT
Quote from: tracysaboe on July 16, 2006, 10:56 AM NHFT
how about we push for Micheal's bill first -- and then if it does pass, compramise to Maine's versions.
Tracy
How about you tell us what you are talking about? Oh, and make your sig file shorter...
I meant. If it doesn't pass, compramise for the ME version.
Tracy
I think that every violation of our liberties is an important issue even if one may not be your area of focus. When taking on the drug war it is important to distinguish between advocating the right to use drugs and the use of drugs themselves. I'm not saying that I hold it against someone if they love to smoke pot, but the general public is probably less open hearted. Balancing statistics with philisophical and moral arguments is also important. You want to make a reasoned argument, but it shouldn't be too much of a numbers game.
I think that we can acheive some incrimental sucess in the near term future, so let me know if their are any projects that I can help with.
Remember, the "general public" includes the 90 million americans who have smoked pot at least once. The "general public" includes the roughly one in ten NH residents who admit to being current pot smokers!
Something else to consider regarding the incremental approach. It might be the easiest short term approach, but it might derail the larger reforms necessary.
To decrim. personal possession was the approach used in the mid seventies. It made everyone think that the tide had turned and things would keep going in the right direction. How wrong could we have been.
Until the issue of commerce is addressed the "problems" of prohibition will not change.
Quote from: FSPinNY on July 15, 2006, 11:21 PM NHFT
Is Michael coordinating this for NH or where he lives?
Michael lives in CA but is coordinating this bill in NH.
Quote from: FTL_Ian on July 15, 2006, 10:11 PM NHFT
Small amount = 1/4 pound?
One of the things being ironed out is talking with the relevant Reps and Senators that might go along with us on this issue, and see what "a small amount" is in their opinon.
Again, it's the head of the House criminal justice committee that's said he's open to this. That's an extremely good position to start from, in terms of actually getting legislation passed.
Quote from: Keith and Stuff on July 16, 2006, 02:44 AM NHFT
Why not follow exactly what ME did?
I would have suggested that, too... before I had spent a session closely observing the day-to-day business of the NH legislature.
The key lesson I learned is that in NH, grassroots organization & opinion matters a lot more than it does elsewhere. If 2/3 of the House are flooded with letters, emails and phone calls voicing an opinion, this has much more wight than the fact that another state did a similar thing. Indeed, the argument that Maine, Vermont, Mass, and/or the Feds have passed some law is often used as ammunition
against a bill, rather than in support of it! :D
This Drug War Project seems well worth the effort. Just last week a caller to the FSP was talking about the mj law in NH being much, much worse than her state of NY. She was concerned about that, enough to slow her and even stop her from moving right away. If we can score a victory here, more will move!
http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?wtm_view=&Group_ID=4516
Quote from: FSPinNY on July 16, 2006, 04:34 PM NHFT
Just last week a caller to the FSP was talking about the mj law in NH being much, much worse than her state of NY. She was concerned about that, enough to slow her and even stop her from moving right away. If we can score a victory here, more will move!
That always pisses me off though. Tell her to move here and HELP CHANGE the laws rather than just tell us to change the law and then she will move. Some much for being an activist.
You can come to expect this, Dreepa.
Unfortunately there are going to be lots of people like this. They want freedom, but will wait for us to do all the work before coming over.
Lame.
If someone finds NY preferable to NH just because of the single issue of marijuana laws, how much help do you think they would be?
Of the hundred thousand or so who are actively/inactively watching the FSP and NH libertarian activism there are many (most?) who will not move (yet) because of...(fill in the blank) issue or circumstance. We are different, and are ready to take NH as it is and move as soon as we can make it happen. She was not yet ready to take the perceived heavy risk - she's real interested and will be watching, learning and changing... As we progress, more will sign-up and move. It's just the nature of the 'bell curve'. It's a learning curve too that folks must go through.
(just heard back from the real estate agent - the property goes on the market in 2 weeks!)
Selling the house? Congrats! Hmm.. who will make it to NH first...
Quote from: FSPinNY on July 17, 2006, 11:37 AM NHFT
Of the hundred thousand or so who are actively/inactively watching the FSP and NH libertarian activism there are many (most?) who will not move (yet) because of...(fill in the blank) issue or circumstance.
If they keep watching we will never get to First100 or 20k?
Since I don't use it and don't plan to use it, legalizing marijuana is not the most important issue to me, but I would be willing to actively support a bill that would legalize marijuana or reduce the penalties for growing it, possessing it, or using it at home.
I think we will be highly successful in our long-term goals. We've won lots of people over because of the NH activity and results over the past year or so. Keep busy!
P.S. Ian, I will beat you to NH...I'll bet a few beers on it!
Quote from: FSPinNY on July 17, 2006, 12:51 PM NHFT
P.S. Ian, I will beat you to NH...I'll bet a few beers on it!
I don't drink, nor am I much of a better. When's your ETA? Where are you planning on going?
Quote from: FTL_Ian on July 17, 2006, 01:08 PM NHFT
Quote from: FSPinNY on July 17, 2006, 12:51 PM NHFT
P.S. Ian, I will beat you to NH...I'll bet a few beers on it!
I don't drink, nor am I much of a better. When's your ETA? Where are you planning on going?
Just trying to be social - I don't drink either... ETA is as soon after the property sells and closes. NH area - still unknown, but more than likely central southern area.
Quote from: FSPinNY on July 17, 2006, 01:23 PM NHFT
Just trying to be social - I don't drink either... ETA is as soon after the property sells and closes. NH area - still unknown, but more than likely central southern area.
Hah! I predict I will beat you. I am not selling my house, and I already have one in Keene.
My element of unpredictibility is Mark, my co-host. Should be somewhere Sept-Oct range if all goes as planned.
You guys make me so jealous! I just got into it with the laws, so it'll probably be a good year before I can make it, hopefully no more.
http://usgovinfo.about.com/b/a/217252.htm
Quote from: FSP-Rebel on July 17, 2006, 02:24 PM NHFT
so it'll probably be a good year before I can make it, hopefully no more.
Have you signed the First1000 pledge?
www.pledgebank.com/first1000
Quote from: FTL_Ian on July 17, 2006, 01:26 PM NHFT
Quote from: FSPinNY on July 17, 2006, 01:23 PM NHFT
Just trying to be social - I don't drink either... ETA is as soon after the property sells and closes. NH area - still unknown, but more than likely central southern area.
Hah! I predict I will beat you. I am not selling my house, and I already have one in Keene.
My element of unpredictibility is Mark, my co-host. Should be somewhere Sept-Oct range if all goes as planned.
Is Mark Manwich?
TRacy
He was. Now he's Mark.
Quote from: FTL_Ian on July 17, 2006, 11:45 PM NHFT
He was. Now he's Mark.
I thought so. I got a chance to listen to the "tire-tapping Felon" archive and I heard you call him Mark, and I thought maybe it was the same person because he sounded the same.
Why did he Drop his Handle?
Tracy
The network was concerned about lawsuits.
The network was concerned about lawsuits. He caved. ;D
Quote from: FTL_Ian on July 18, 2006, 09:54 AM NHFT
The network was concerned about lawsuits.
Lawsuits because of a nickname?
Quote from: Dreepa on July 18, 2006, 10:46 AM NHFT
Quote from: FTL_Ian on July 18, 2006, 09:54 AM NHFT
The network was concerned about lawsuits.
Lawsuits because of a nickname?
Yeah, trademark infringement, and all that rot. It was something we had to give up in order to reduce our commercial time by :60 per hour. Well worth it, in my opinion.
Somebody owns Manwich as a Trademark?
Tracy
ConAgra Foods
Can we get back to Drug War stuff?
I understand the arguments against an incremental approach, and I would support a full legalization bill in NH, but if a bill that goes half the distance comes along, I'll support that too. I believe that for the benefits of decrim to be fully evident you need a legal supply chain. Leagal farms, legal distributers, and lawful use. Quality control is one of those things that doesn't work too well in a black market.
NHORML a functioning group in any capacity? It would be good to get their support, and we might win a few lefty converts.
http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=4551&wtm_view=chapter
Phil would know, but there;s still no NH NORML website that I can find.
Quote from: citizen_142002 on July 18, 2006, 01:22 PM NHFT
NHORML a functioning group in any capacity? It would be good to get their support, and we might win a few lefty converts.
The head of NHORML is running running for the house I think.
For those of you who are interested in leading the legaliztion
battle believe this may be of interest. Also believe if you have
a viable group formed in NH, these folks will be up with helping
with fun your effort.
Philanthropist pledges $3.5 million matching grant to MPP!
Dear MPP supporter:
The Marijuana Policy Project has received a commitment from a major philanthropist to match the first $3.5 million we can raise from the rest of the planet.
This is a huge opportunity for MPP and all of us who are working to end marijuana prohibition. If we succeed at securing $3.5 million + $3.5 million = $7.0 million in revenues this year, all of the projects mentioned below will be fully funded this year ... and into next year.
Would you please help make this financial windfall a reality by making your own contribution today?
The matching funding comes in two stages. The first $2.3 million that you and other MPP allies donate will be matched by $2.3 million from the philanthropist. Then, if we can raise an additional $1.2 million from you and other allies, the philanthropist will again match that with $1.2 million of his own.
We've already raised $2,026,479 this year. If each of the 101,000 subscribers on this e-mail list were to donate just $5 each, we would immediately jump over the $2.3 million hurdle.
But not everyone on this e-mail list will donate $5 ? or even read this e-mail message ? so please consider donating $10, $50, $250 (you'll receive a DVD of MPP's TV debates and other highlights), or $1,000 (you'll become a Lifetime Member of MPP).
Does money really make a difference? In a word, "Yes." Please consider these two thoughts:
- Because 78% of the American people already support allowing patients to use marijuana "to reduce pain and suffering," according to the latest Gallup poll, the only thing that's preventing us from making medical marijuana legal in Michigan, Ohio, Florida, and all 50 states is our ability to hire lobbyists and/or to put medical marijuana initiatives on the ballot.
- Because 36% of the American people say "the use of marijuana should be made legal," according to Gallup, we need to continue dedicating resources to educating the public on the harms of marijuana prohibition ... until a majority of voters agree.
In short, money is one of the most critical factors that will determine how quickly we ? which includes you ? can end marijuana prohibition.
It's not the academic commitment of the people who agree with MPP ... or the righteousness of our cause ... or our willpower, or our intelligence. These elements are all important, but it's money that translates good ideas into good laws.
If you're able to help us reach the $3.5 million milestone ? preferably by October 1, so that we can actually use the money to pass key ballot initiatives this November 7 ? we'll be able to fully fund the following:
- MPP's ballot initiative in Nevada to end marijuana prohibition entirely, which Nevadans will be voting on this November.
- The ad campaign we recently launched on Jim Hightower's national radio show.
- Local ballot initiatives to make adult marijuana offenses the lowest law enforcement priority for local police in Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Santa Monica, Missoula County (Montana), and Portland (Oregon) ... which all five communities are voting on this November.
- The medical marijuana initiative in South Dakota that ? if passed by a majority of the voters this November ? would make South Dakota the 12th medical marijuana state ... and the first medical marijuana state in the midwest.
- Public opinion polling to help us determine where to run similar statewide medical marijuana initiatives in 2007 and 2008.
Will you please help achieve what you believe in by voting with your dollars today? MPP is doing everything it can to end the government's war on marijuana users, but we need the financial means to achieve the goal.
I want to thank you in advance for any help you can provide. Financial support from supporters like you is literally the only thing that makes our work possible.
Sincerely,
Rob Kampia
Executive Director
Marijuana Policy Project
Washington, D.C.
P.S. If you join MPP's pledge program at a level of $5 or more per month, you'll receive your choice of MPP's colorful "Stop Arresting Patients" t-shirt, a DVD of the award-winning medical marijuana documentary Waiting to Inhale, or the DVD BUSTED: The Citizen's Guide to Surviving Police Encounters. And if you donate $250 or more (or sign up for a monthly pledge of at least $50), we'll also mail you a compilation DVD featuring the TV and radio ads, TV news coverage, and raw video coverage from MPP's campaigns last year
Ok I don't have alot of time to devote to this effort, however,
I'll kick $5 a month to help the folks if 5 of you do! The political
way to do things! :)
Also, if someone is really up for leading this effort, and putting some
folks together. I'll be more than happy to help them put a proposal
together to present to the folks at MJ Policy Fund....rob@mpp.org
I know they expended considerable resources in VT recently and if
we have a viable plan in NH, confident they will lend a hand in a
big way.
Quote from: tracysaboe on July 18, 2006, 12:21 PM NHFT
Somebody owns Manwich as a Trademark?
What, you never had that "sloppy joe in a can"?
"A sandwich is a sandwich, but a Manwich is a meal."
OK.
I understand trademarks and to some extent I support them. Obviously if somebody advertises that their sloppy joes are Manwich brand and it turns out they're really not -- then you've just basically stolen from a customer. No different really from saying that you've sold a person bananna's only to find out later you were really sold apples.
But Ian wasn't advertising sloppy joes! This is really rediculous.
Tracy
Quote from: davemincin on July 18, 2006, 02:35 PM NHFT
Ok I don't have alot of time to devote to this effort, however,
I'll kick $5 a month to help the folks if 5 of you do! The political
way to do things! :)
Also, if someone is really up for leading this effort, and putting some
folks together. I'll be more than happy to help them put a proposal
together to present to the folks at MJ Policy Fund....rob@mpp.org
Dave, it would be great if you can contact Rep. Welch. He's from your area, he's the chair of a powerful committee, and he's on our side 8)
Quote from: d_goddard on July 19, 2006, 11:36 AM NHFT
Quote from: davemincin on July 18, 2006, 02:35 PM NHFT
Ok I don't have alot of time to devote to this effort, however,
I'll kick $5 a month to help the folks if 5 of you do! The political
way to do things! :)
Also, if someone is really up for leading this effort, and putting some
folks together. I'll be more than happy to help them put a proposal
together to present to the folks at MJ Policy Fund....rob@mpp.org
Dave, it would be great if you can contact Rep. Welch. He's from your area, he's the chair of a powerful committee, and he's on our side 8)
David Welch was one of the first reps I met when I got to NH. I'd be happy to talk to him the next time I see him.
Is their a rep prepared to introduce the legislation in the next session?
Hopefully we can get a few folks elected in November to help strengthen our case.