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Monday, October 30, 2006
Posted
4:50 PM
by SAFER Choice
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 Showdown at the CapitolAs you likely know by now, there was a showdown at the State Capitol Building on Friday, as Gov. Bill Owens held a press conference along with Attorney General John Suthers and a number of state law enforcement officials in opposition to Amendment 44. The news that came out regarding this incident was incredibly misleading and suggested Gov. Owens was unable to speak due to the chanting of the crowd. This is entirely not true, as the crowd did not begin chanting until after Owens and all the sheriffs gave their speeches. While members of the crowd certainly yelled one-liners and booed particular statements (such as Park County Sheriff Waggener's claim that making marijuana legal would lead to unexpected horrors that could rival the Bailey school shooting), these men were certainly allowed to say what they wanted. However, the chants began as Attorney General John Suthers took to the podium. The proponents and supporters of Amendment 44 simply had no interest in hearing the distortions and lies of this government official, who has been traveling the state peddling such nonsense as the false statement about marijuana and minors from the blue book. Clearly the governor, sheriffs and attorney general did not expect to see such heavy opposition at their press conference at 10 a.m. on a weekday. And they really did not expect to see people speak out against them so vocally. Was this the "right" thing to do? Some have called it a "disgrace," such as the editors at the Rocky Mountain News. Others, like Gov. Owens, called it fascism, suggesting that the peaceful protesters in green campaign shirts "might as well have been wearing brown shirts," referring to Nazis. But the fact remains, these government officials have been stacking the deck and doing everything in their power to derail this measure and ensure the voters do not get to consider Amendment 44 on their own without being preyed upon by fear-mongering politicians and self-serving law enforcers. Many people who support our side have been intimidated, fined, arrested, and have lost jobs because of the societal prejudice against marijuana. (We even had a supporter stopped by a police officer recently, and the "probable cause" was the fact that he was wearing one of our campaign t-shirts.) Many of these acts have been carried out by law enforcement officials, like those assembled Friday, and have been sanctioned by elected officials, like those assembled Friday. These policies have been supported by 70 years of lies and exaggerations by the government. Our campaign faces obstacles like virtually no other. We have the federal government coming into Colorado to oppose us. This same federal government has spent more than $1 billion over the past seven years "educating" the public about how harmful marijuana is so that local police can continue to arrest marijuana users. We have just about every elected official opposing us (because they think they have to politically). We had the bi-partisan Legislative Council send a blue book to every voter in the state saying our initiative would make it legal to give marijuana to minors -- a charge called "false" by the Rocky Mountain News. When just one member of the Denver City Council simply said that he was going to vote for our initiative, he was called "reprehensible" by one of our opponents -- and the Rocky Mountain News printed it! Finally, we have newspapers like the Denver Post urging readers to vote No on our initiative, while calling our message that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol "disingenuous." Yet they fail to raise the fact that their paper is filled with liquor advertisements. Perhaps the most egregious act carried out by opponents to our campaign was a massive DEA bust of 38 individuals for marijuana that the DEA virtually admitted was a political stunt to "send a message" to the people of Colorado before they vote on Amendment 44. On Friday, for one of the first times ever, a large and energetic group of these people had a chance to express their frustration and send a message back. Instead of allowing the government to continue its lies and exaggerations, they shouted some chants. Rude? Perhaps. Human? Undoubtedly. Coverage of Friday's press conference: ABC 7 CBS 4 FOX 31 NBC 9 Pueblo Chieftain (PLEASE send a letter to the editor) Rocky Mountain News story Rocky Mountain News editorial (PLEASE send a letter to the editor) Sunday, October 29, 2006
Posted
10:51 PM
by SAFER Choice
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This Halloween season, we ask you to forward this video to your friends, family and coworkers and encourage them to ask themselves: just what is so scary about an adult using marijuana? As this on-line campaign video points out, it isn't marijuana use that you ought to be frightened of, but rather the laws against it that should send a chill down your spine. ..
Posted
2:41 PM
by SAFER Choice
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SAFER Campaign Director Mason Tvert will debate DEA field office head Jeffrey Sweetin tomorrow, Monday, Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the Mike Rosen Show. You can listen to the live debate on-line or you can tune in to the program on KOA 850 AM in Denver. As you might recall, the show's host, Mike Rosen -- a conservative icon in Colorado -- endorsed a YES vote on Amendment 44 in the Rocky Mountain News earlier this month. Friday, October 27, 2006
Posted
2:07 AM
by SAFER Choice
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MEDIA ADVISORY For Immediate Release -- Oct. 27, 2006 Retired Police Chief Expresses Support for Amendment 44 as Gov. Owens Trots Out Law Enforcers to Defend Continued Punishing of Adult Marijuana Users Mason Tvert challenges Gov. Owens to debate on Amendment 44 and honor his public promise of a "statewide marijuana showdown" DENVER - On Friday, Oct. 27, at 10:30 a.m., immediately following an anti-Amendment 44 press conference hosted by Gov. Bill Owens, supporters of Amendment 44 will hold a press conference of their own in front of the State Capitol. Included among the Amendment 44 supporters will be former Seattle (WA) Police Chief Norman Stamper. Chief Stamper will be available for one-on-one interviews immediately following the press conference and later in the day. Amendment 44 supporters will point out the societal harms of alcohol and will question why Gov. Owens, Attorney General John Suthers, and leaders of the law enforcement community all want the citizens of Colorado to drink alcohol instead of using marijuana, which is far less likely to lead to sexual assault, domestic abuse, and other acts of violence. The lead proponent of Amendment 44, Mason Tvert, will also challenge Gov. Owens to a debate on the initiative anytime over the coming week. A December story in the Rocky Mountain News ("Pro-pot group aims at state law in '06, Opposition ready to give legalization debate center stage," 12/28/05) reported that Governor Owens wanted to see a "statewide marijuana showdown." Yet the Governor has been completely silent about the initiative up until this time. "We are pleased to see Gov. Owens has finally engaged in this debate," said Tvert. "We hope that he will not just make a few statements to generate some press and then go back and hide in his office. He wanted a 'marijuana showdown' and so do we. We are prepared to debate him on this topic at the time and place of his choosing next week. We'll do it in Denver, Colorado Springs, or any other city or town in the state, and we'll do it at any time that suits his schedule. If he thinks the public will benefit from his wisdom on this subject and that voters need to hear his opinion, there is no reason he wouldn't take us up on the offer." *** PHOTO OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE *** Press Conference details What: Press conference in response to Gov. Owens's anti-Amendment 44 press conference When: Friday, Oct. 27, 10:30 a.m. (or immediately following the Governor's press conference) Where: West steps of the Colorado State Capitol Building, Denver Who: Norman Stamper, retired Seattle Police Chief Mason Tvert, lead proponent of Amendment 44 Amendment 44 volunteers and supporters # # #
Posted
1:53 AM
by SAFER Choice
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This very fascinating article in today's Colorado Springs Business Journal (regardless of whether it meant to) makes a pretty strong case for making marijuana legal, taxing it and regulating it like alcohol. Thursday, October 26, 2006
Posted
1:03 AM
by SAFER Choice
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Just one hour before pro-Amendment 44 forces converge at the University of Denver, the Boulder/Denver public community radio station, KGNU 88.5 FM 1390 AM, will host a live debate between SAFER Campaign Director Mason Tvert and Federal Narc Tom Gorman. Listen live at 6 p.m. MST! Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Posted
4:20 AM
by SAFER Choice
|
We will be holding one final fundraiser for this last push across the finish line. And what's more is we're doing it in style! Please join us Friday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Mayor Hickenlooper's Wynkoop Brewing Company at 1634 18th Street in downtown Denver. This event is being hosted by NORML's Allen St. Pierre and SAFER's Mason Tvert, and confirmed guests include Norm Stamper, George Rohrbacher and Dr. Robert Melamede. There will be a cash cocktail service and we will have delicious appetizers available. The recommended donation for this event is $50 ($25 for students) and all proceeds will go to the SAFER Voter Education Fund, of which the Amendment 44 campaign is a project. This event is FREE for all elected officials and candidates! We really need your help to keep funds coming in so we can keep getting materials out. We must maintain this momentum into Election Day on Nov. 7, so please come out and help give this campaign one final boost! Checks and cash are acceptable at the door, otherwise please visit our donate page today to make your payment and then contact us to let us know you will be attending. ** Important - The use of marijuana will not be tolerated at this venue. Our opponents and law enforcement will be watching for this, so please do not do anything to put yourself or the campaign in jeopardy **
Posted
4:02 AM
by SAFER Choice
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There are a few BIG names in marijuana law reform stepping up and speaking out in favor of Amendment 44, the measure to make marijuana legal for adults in Colorado. Thursday, Oct. 26 UPDATE: This press conference has been canceled due to the pending blizzard. 11:15 a.m. - noon -- Press conference (w/ special guests) Denver City-County Building* - 1437 Bannock Street, Denver *possibly going to be relocated due to weather If you support Amendment 44, please come out to the press conference on Thursday to show your support -- we could use all the help we can get for these final two weeks and the bigger presence we can make at this event, the better. 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. -- "Marijuana: The Unnecessary War" University of Denver - Boettcher Hall - 2050 E. Iliff Avenue, Denver *** FREE & open to the public *** A panel discussion hosted by NORML Board Member and former Washington State Senator George Rohrbacher (DU, '70) featuring: Norman Stamper, former Seattle Police Chief State Rep. Gary Lindstrom, former law enforcement officer and coroner Dr. Robert Melamede, cannabinoid researcher, biology professor and former department chair at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs Jeralyn Merritt, prominent Colorado criminal defense attorney and legal analyst Allen St. Pierre, national director of NORML Mason Tvert, campaign director of SAFER If you or anyone you know is still on the fence about the issue of marijuana and Amendment 44, we strongly encourage you to attend the panel discussion at DU on Thursday where you can hear some very prominent folks discuss marijuana in an honest and open environment so that you can make an informed decision when you vote. Supporters are also welcome to attend this FREE event and encouraged to bring friends, family and coworkers. ** Important - The use of marijuana will not be tolerated at these venues. Our opponents and law enforcement will be watching for this, so please do not do anything to put yourself or the campaign in jeopardy **
Posted
3:52 AM
by SAFER Choice
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But rather than selling alcohol, we're selling a much-needed change to our marijuana laws. Below is the press release we sent out yesterday. PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release - October 24, 2006 Colorado Marijuana Legalization Campaign Unveils Billboards Featuring Bikini-Clad Woman Touting Relative Benefits of Marijuana Over Alcohol Billboard reads, "MARIJUANA: No Hangovers, No Violence, No Carbs!" DENVER – At a press conference attended by local and national media today, the Amendment 44 campaign unveiled its latest billboard in support of its initiative to make the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana legal for adults under Colorado state law. This billboard, which appears at two locations in Denver, features a bikini-clad woman and touts the relative benefits of marijuana over alcohol. The text of the billboard – see image below – reads, "MARIJUANA: No Hangovers, No Violence, No Carbs!" The press conference was held beneath one of the billboards, which is located at 1381 W. Alameda Ave. in Denver, just next door to the Great American Beer Store. The large sign for the store and the billboard appear adjacent to each other to motorists, creating a stark and appropriate contrast. The billboard is consistent with the primary message of the campaign, as well as the organization behind it, which is that marijuana is a safer alternative to alcohol and, therefore, it makes no sense to punish adults for making the rational choice to use marijuana instead of alcohol. "We will continue to do everything in our power to make people think about the fact that our laws irrationally drive people to drink and prohibit the use of marijuana," said SAFER Campaign Director Mason Tvert. "Many members of the public seem willing to accept the fact that laws pushing people toward alcohol increase the likelihood of family and community violence and even death. Maybe the fact that Americans are being driven to higher carbohydrate intake will finally cause people to reconsider the value of our current laws." # # #
 The full billboard image appeared in color in yesterday's Rocky Mountain News. An intriguing and sexy photo for them...free advertising for us!
Posted
3:26 AM
by SAFER Choice
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Despite the fact that Amendment 44 only pertains to adults and not kids, and that it will remain illegal for minors to possess marijuana and illegal to give marijuana to a minor, the Denver Post does not think adults over 21 should be allowed to possess a small amount of marijuana for private use. Why? [W]e worry about the message to young people if Colorado passes 44...Ahhhh...the sweet smell of bullshit. Just what "message" do they think they're sending to young people with their "Beer of the Week" feature? I guess it's OK to push deadly drugs on the public, so long as they're from "those friendly folks at brewing giant Anheuser-Busch." Can't you just smell the hypocrisy? The profits being made by the beer company? The ad sales in the Post? Perhaps it's time our newspapers stop worrying about the message we MIGHT send young people by making marijuana legal for adults and start worrying about the message they are sending young people right now. We have yet to hear why it's OK for adults to drink and not OK for them to use marijuana, an undoubtedlly less harmful drug. And just in case you were wondering, this week's Denver Post "Beer of the Week" was Michelob Porter.
Posted
3:02 AM
by SAFER Choice
|
 Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update Covers Marijuana InitiativesThis past weekend the anchors of Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live discussed the efforts in Colorado and Nevada to make marijuana legal for adults. After announcing the news, the male anchor (Seth Meyers) turned to the female anchor (Amy Poehler) to get her perspective on the story. However, she was gone and in her chair was a sign that read, "Colorado or Bust." There was then a voice-over of Poehler as Meyers reads the note she left behind. My Dearest Seth: It pains me that I did not get a chance to say goodbye. But you've known since you met me that I would gladly trade our friendship for an ounce of hassle-free weed. Sincerely yours, Amy
Posted
2:54 AM
by SAFER Choice
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The following letter from Howard Wooldridge of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) appeared in the Boulder Daily Camera last week that somehow squeaked by under our radar (we've given up on the Camera...). We appreciate it being brought to our attention, though, as it is a perspective on this issue that the public should be hearing. COPS KNOW POT NOT THE PROBLEM
Posted
2:47 AM
by SAFER Choice
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The Summit Daily News ran an editorial endorsing a "YES" vote on Amendment 44 this week. Their reasoning: Marijuana is proven to be less dangerous than alcohol, which is already tolerated, and we believe our police have more important jobs to do than jailing folks for a small-time recreational habit.As you might recall, State Rep. Gary Lindstrom (D-Breckenridge) -- a longtime police officer and coroner -- also endorsed a "YES" vote on Amendment 44 in the Summit Daily a few weeks back. Monday, October 23, 2006
Posted
3:19 AM
by SAFER Choice
|
There is a feature story regarding Amendment 44 and a large info-graphic regarding the effects of marijuana on the brain in today's Denver Post. Perhaps the most interesting part of the entire piece is the headline: Pot issue's fate at polls hazy"So you're telling me there's a chance..." In all seriousness, though, that is what the Post is conceding. There is a decent enough chance Amendment 44 is going to pass on November 7, that they couldn't say it is has no chance. In fact, whereas most commentators have said the measure is "likely" or "probably" going to fail, they have all made it quite clear that it is not impossible that voters will see through all the bullshit and approve it.
Posted
3:12 AM
by SAFER Choice
|
A column in favor of Amendment 44 from SAFER Campaign Director Mason Tvert and a column against Amendment 44 from Attorney General John Suthers appeared side-by-side in this past weekend's Rocky Mountain News.
Posted
2:50 AM
by SAFER Choice
|
The Denver Post editorialized a "NO" vote on Amendment 44 this past weekend. We're sorry to say that this comes as more of a disappointment than a surprise. And as we expected, they used the same ass-backward reasoning they used when they opposed Initiative 100 in Denver last year, which they summed up in the sub-headline. It's a national issue, not a state oneWe can't say we blame the Post for being fooled by our opponents (the federal government) into thinking this was a national issue, when it is actually a STATE BALLOT MEASURE! But more frustrating is the fact that this argument is a total smokescreen for the Post's decision to be a mouthpiece of the establishment rather than of the people it serves. And by establishment, we do not necessarily mean the government. After all, the Post endorsed medical marijuana (an ongoing state-versus-federal battle) and -- as we already pointed out -- consistently opposed the War on Drugs in general. That is, consistently with the exception of opposing actual efforts at reforming current drug policy. It would seem the Post is worried what its readers -- more likely its advertisers -- might think if they actually (gasp!) did the right thing. There's plenty more we could say about this piece of crap, but we really don't have any more time or energy to waste on people like this who would prefer to tell Americans how to live their lives rather than standing up for the American way of life. We STRONGLY encourage you to contact the editors at the Post and let them know you are really pissed at their cowardliness, hyopocrisy and lack of intellectual and journalistic integrity.
Posted
2:39 AM
by SAFER Choice
|
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to come to the conclusion that the coverage of Amendment 44 in the state's two major newspapers, the Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News, has been slanted toward our opponents. But it does take some solid research and real journalism to prove it. That is just Independence Institute Research Director Dave Kopel did. And what did the conservative think tank's study find? You can call the Rocky Mountain News and The Denver Post a lot of things, but one thing you can't call them is "fair and balanced." When the Colorado establishment lines up on one side of an issue, the News and the Post go along. Consider, for example, how the Denver dailies have covered this year's marijuana initiative (Amendment 44)... In other words, not only are our opponents in Colorado so incompetent that they need federal law enforcment officials and national anti-drug groups to fight their battle for them. But they are also getting a taller platform to stand on and a louder microphone to speak through, despite the fact nobody came to hear them talk.
Posted
2:32 AM
by SAFER Choice
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Colorado Confidential featured a story on how the opponents of Amendment 44 are almost entirely federal law enforcement officials. While the direct involvement of the ONDCP, DEA, RMHIDTA and others does (and has) not come as a surprise to us, their shadiness when it comes to disclosing how much of our federal tax money they're spending on it does. But whatever the ONDCP’s plans are, there are at least no physical records on the Colorado ballot issue.The folks over at popular Colorado political blog, ColoradoLib, also weighed in on just how stupid these guys are.
Posted
2:26 AM
by SAFER Choice
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The column by Reason Magazine Editor Jacob Sullum appeared in the Washington Times and the Colorado Springs Gazette on Sunday.
Posted
2:11 AM
by SAFER Choice
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The CU Campus Press ran an article on Amendment 38, which is known as the petitioner's rights amendment, which included a pretty funny quote from SAFER Campaign Director Mason Tvert. He made the following quote in response to House Speaker Andrew Romanoff's lead role in using the state voter guide to scare voters into thinking Amendment 44 would make it legal to give marijuana to kids (which it will not...). "Andrew Romanoff is the Stephen King of the horror novel that is this year's Blue Book."If 38 is adopted in November, there would no longer be any involvement in the drafting of the language that appears in the state-sponsored voting guide known as the blue book. Instead, there would solely be arguments for the measure by the proponents and arguments against by the opponents. Had this been the case for this past year's blue book, we never would have had to deal with false and otherwise misleading statements being included in the blue book by legislators as if they were fact.
Posted
1:39 AM
by SAFER Choice
|
The Aspen Times ran a barrage of stories on Amendment 44 in the past few days, most of which discussed how the people there (including the current sheriff and his opponent in the sheriff's race) will vote YES on Amendment 44. We particularly enjoyed this one, not necessarily because of it's content, but rather it's ambiguous headline. Do you think a pun was intended? Marijuana vote in the bag?We don't know if passage of Amendment 44 is currently "in the bag," but should we find it to be come Nov. 7, there will surely be many who follow suit. Other pieces in the same paper included this letter of endorsement from NORML founder Keith Stroup, and this one from NORML Senior Policy Analyst Paul Armentano. And apparently Aspen isn't the only mountain community to support Amendment 44. The Summit Daily News did this man-on-the-street piece, which found the bulk of those they asked will vote for Amendment 44. Finally, there have also been multiple pieces in Aspen-area papers about the sheriff's race between current Pitkin County Sheriff Bob Braudis and Aspen public safety officer Rick Magnuson. Both the sheriff and his opponent, who's a real jerk-off (no, really), say they support Amendment 44 and will vote for it. It's nice to see some mountain-town law enforcers who don't want to go busting in on people with debilitating diseases and arresting them for using their doctor-recommended medicine (a la GRAMNET).
Posted
1:14 AM
by SAFER Choice
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The Steamboat Pilot endorsed a "NO" vote on Amendment 44 last week and did so because...well...we actually don't know why. While acknowledging that the current war on marijuana is a failure, the editorial noted that they simply couldn't bring themselves to amending the state constitution to end it. We pointed out to the editors that Amendment 44 is a statute change and NOT a constitutional amendment, as did a whole lot of our supporters. As you can see, they have quietly corrected the piece. But rather than sack up and admit they made a boo-boo, they decided they would be babies instead of journalists and refused to reconsider their endorsement, let alone apologize for the egregious error that could have very well cost us votes. Consider this E-mail, which one of our supporters received from Pilot editor Scott Stanford: Thanks for your response. I see your points. However, we have already seenWell, first of all the Don Nord case involved cultivation of marijuana and not simple adult possession. Hence the feds felt the need to get involved. As federal and state officials have made very clear, there would be no federal-state conflict in terms of private adult possession because the feds simply don't have the power to enforce or prosecute when it comes to such small potatoes. Did we mention Mr. Nord was our most productive signature collector in the Steamboat area? Perhaps the people there are now aware of the extremes to which our government will go -- arresting a sick person following state medical marijuana laws -- and decided they're fed up with such a system. Second of all, if Scott is so concerned about GRAMNET, why didn't his newspaper even mention the fact that the group possibly (cough...cough...probably) broke state campaign laws in actively opposing Amendment 44. Apparently he'd rather kiss these narcs' asses rather than report on their potentially illegal activities. Perhaps when he comes up for air he could ask them why they haven't responded with the information we officially requested and the state organization is required by law to provide. Then the best part. Scott makes it clear that not only will they NOT reconsider this editorial that was based on false pretenses, but they will not even say their sorry! We encourage you to take Scott up on his invitation to write him a note and let him know you think he needs to play nicer with the other kids...er...initiatives. Friday, October 20, 2006
Posted
1:40 AM
by SAFER Choice
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The editors at the Steamboat Pilot acknowledged the failure of the war on marijuana and other drugs, calling it a "costly and unproductive failure," in yesterday's paper. Yet they chose to say no to Amendment 44 for all the wrong reasons. No, really, we mean their reasons were actually wrong. Their primary argument: There simply is no justifiable reason for the law, and it certainly has no business in the state’s constitution.Really? Well we agree. That's why we didn't introduce a constitutional amendment, but rather a statuatory change. In fact, Amendment 44 is the only amendment on this year's crowded ballot that is NOT a constitutional amendment. Apparently they didn't even read the ballot language for Amendment 44 before letting loose on it as if they had a clue. Shall there be an amendment to section 18-18-406 (1) of the Colorado revised statutes making legal the possession of one ounce or less of marihuana for any person twenty-one years of age or older?What other reasons did they have to oppose 44? Well, they talked about how federal law would conflict with state law, resulting in federal enforcement of private adult marijuana use in Colorado. And once again, they were WAY off base. Federal and state law enforcement officials have continuously acknowledged that the federal government would not be able to enforce the private use of marijuana by adults 21 and older. "Oh, we have federal law, but it's not going to be enforced. The federal government doesn't have the manpower. The DEA deals with tons and kilos of marijuana. They won't be able to enforce on these smaller amounts.” Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Director Tom Gorman, in the Pueblo Chieftain, 10/2/06 "There aren't enough federal resources on the entire planet to handle ounce size marijuana possession. Your viewers should understand if this passes, we're really legitimately legalizing an ounce of marijuana. They're not going to be prosecuted." DEA spokesman Jeffrey Sweetin, on CBS 4, 9/21/06 "They could write somebody up, but they would have then go to the United States attorney and ask them to prosecute the case. And I'm telling you right now, the United States attorney has a threshold, I used to be the United States attorney, and I think their threshold used to be about 100 plants. They're not going to take possession of an ounce cases." Attorney General John Suthers, on CBS 4, 9/21/06PLEASE contact the Pilot editors and let them know they should either endorse Amendment 44 with a "YES" vote, or -- at the very least -- they should publicly withdraw their frivolous "NO"endorsement.
Posted
1:35 AM
by SAFER Choice
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The following letter to the editor appeared in yesterday's Boulder Daily Camera. Alcohol is the larger threat
Posted
1:30 AM
by SAFER Choice
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Wednesday's debate on KBDI 12 can now be viewed on-line at CBS 4's site. Enjoy!
Posted
1:22 AM
by SAFER Choice
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 Editorial: Drug Busts as Taxpayer-Funded Media Lobbying/Electioneering CampaignsBy David Borden, Executive Director, DRCnet One of the news items today was a report from Colorado of a major marijuana bust. The Denver DEA office and District Attorney announced they had roped in 38 dealers, and held a press conference to brag about it. The timing was questioned by the group Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER), the sponsors of a marijuana legalization initiative on next month's statewide ballot. SAFER's press release called the press conference "an orchestrated political event," implying that the local drug warriors by staging this bust at this time and publicizing it were really trying to influence an election starting 19 days later with early voting starting only four days later. (SAFER also pointed out that there are listings in Denver for at least 347 dealers of alcohol -- a more dangerous drug than marijuana according to SAFER and according to any reasonable reading of the science on the issue.) In my opinion the timing does indeed cast suspicion on the enforcers' motivation. Did Colorado narcs use the pretext of a drug bust to in reality conduct a media/lobbying/electioneering campaign at the expense of the taxpayer (as well as the expense of the people busted)? If so, it wouldn't be the first time such a thing happened. In 1991, I'm told, the federal courthouse in Charlottesville, Virginia, was in danger of being shut down for budgetary reasons, its operations to be merged into other nearby facilities. Enter "Operation Equinox," which saw 12 fraternity brothers taken down on drug charges. The court got publicity and an apparent reason for being, and is alive and thriving today. In California this summer they actually came right out and said what they were doing. A July press release from Attorney General Lockyer's office about how “44 task forces led by the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement... arrested at least 115 individuals and seized at least $11.9 million worth of drugs as part of a one-day nationwide crime sweep," stated that the operation “promoted the continued funding of the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program that supports local and statewide drug enforcement. The federally funded program has suffered deep cuts over the last few years.” In the advocacy business, when we stage media-worthy events that we hope will affect the legislative process, it's considered lobbying. Were these 38 Coloradans, 115 Californians, the 12 UVA frat boys and others on numerous other occasions really pawns in the political games played by people who hold the power to incarcerate? That can be hard to prove, but it's pretty clear that that dynamic exists, and sometimes it isn't that hard to prove. Indeed, the prosecutor who seeks high-profile prosecutions and large numbers of convictions to bolster his or her political career is a well known creature, and one of the most powerful in government. Let's hope this odious tactic backfires on Colorado's narcs -- on November 7!
Posted
1:17 AM
by SAFER Choice
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In an informal poll conducted by Colorado State University's student-run newspaper, the Rocky Mountain Collegian, "pot" was considered the "political issue that interests [students] most," ahead of gay marriage, minimum wage and even the gubernatorial race.
Posted
1:09 AM
by SAFER Choice
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 Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey eyes the goods and licks his lips. Fortunately he had enough people's lives to ruin yesterday that he didn't break down and start licking the photo.
Posted
12:29 AM
by SAFER Choice
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Today the DEA stooped to a new low in its pitiful campaign against Amendment 44. It announced the conclusion of a marijuana-based sting that netted 38 individuals (mostly younger adults in their 20s) who were allegedly selling marijuana. Now you might be thinking, hey, this is the DEA and they do bust people for selling marijuana. So what makes this any different than the typical sting operation? Well, this time it was about two weeks out from the election and just a couple days before early voting begins. And one must wonder, if the DEA's job is to bust people for using or selling marijuana, why do they need to hold a massive coordinated press conference with tons of local, state and federal officials? Why did they need to expend even more taxpayer money on massive blown up photos of the confiscated marijuana and money? What purpose does this serve? Well, according to Colorado's DEA spokesman Jeff Sweetin, the purpose was "to send a message." This joker even brought up Amendment 44 and made it very clear that the kids selling pot were "killing people" and "selling drugs in everyday stores we shop at with our families." They also made it very clear this was a case of "BC Bud," which they claimed was "15 times more potent than the marijuana used three decades ago." We found out about the press conference and put together a counter press conference right in front of the DEA building in Englewood. The security guard, along with four other officials, including two supervisors, told SAFER Campaign Director Mason Tvert he was not allowed to be on the public, federal property. Actually, they made it clear he could be there, but not if he was going to be "talking about what is going on inside." Uhh...yeah...OK. We ignored that, and what'd'ya know...they were bluffing (or too scared to do anything about it with every news station in the city standing there). Below is our press release, as well as a photo from the Denver Post. MEDIA ADVISORY For Immediate Release -- October 18, 2006 As the DEA Announces the Arrest of a Few Dozen Marijuana Distributors, Proponents of Amendment 44 Release the Results of Their Own Investigation Showing 347 Alcohol Distributors in Denver Members of the media are encouraged to ask why the dealers of the LESS harmful substance are being persecuted by the government -- and whether the timing of this operation indicates that it is just for political show DENVER -- On Thursday, October 19, immediately following a DEA press conference to announce a major sweep of "B.C. Bud" dealers in Colorado, the proponents of Amendment 44 will hold a press conference of their own to highlight the fact that 347 dealers of a far more dangerous drug are operating within Denver city limits. It is likely that tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies tracking down what is rumored to be 38 individuals accused of selling marijuana. The Amendment 44 campaign spent 50 cents doing an Internet investigation* and found 347 alcohol dealers in Denver alone -- and the search even provided street addresses. * See, http://www.superpages.com/yellowpages/C-Liquor+Stores/S-CO/T-Denver/ Every objective study ever conducted has concluded that alcohol is more harm than marijuana. Yet our government continues to tout marijuana arrests and convictions as if they make our communities safer. Instead, these arrests and convictions are merely protecting the turf of the alcohol dealers and ensuring that people are more likely to use alcohol instead of marijuana. "It is not a coincidence that the National Beer Wholesalers Association is the top financial contributor to Republicans in Congress," said SAFER Campaign Director Mason Tvert. "This system is rigged from the top to the bottom. It is time for the American people to wake up and think about why the government spends billions of dollars on the war on marijuana, while allowing dealers of a far more dangerous drug to operate on almost every street corner." "Tomorrow's press conference at the DEA is an orchestrated political event," continued Tvert. "And those individuals who will be arrested and prosecuted to further this political cause have likely done less to harm society than Mayor Hickenlooper has by operating Wynkoop Brewery or Pete Coors has as the head of the Coors cartel. There is a market for both marijuana and alcohol, and it is simply irrational to create a legal, regulated market for the more harmful substance while arresting and imprisoning those involved in marketing the less harmful substance. Instead of focusing our national energy on arresting our way out of the marijuana problem, we should instead be focusing on how to create a regulated market for this relatively benign substance." Law enforcement officials at the DEA press conference are likely to claim that there are greater harms associated with higher potency marijuana than lower potency marijuana. There is no scientific evidence to back up these claims. Suggestions that more young people are in treatment because of high potency marijuana are undermined by the fact that increases in marijuana treatment admissions over the past 15 years are due entirely to criminal justice referrals. Moreover, users of higher potency marijuana are able to reduce the one actual source of potential harm from marijuana -- irritation from smoke inhalation. "Variations in THC content do not change the impact of THC itself," continued Tvert. "Those who use higher-THC marijuana simply use less, just as people drink less vodka than beer. If our community leaders are concerned about THC levels, they should support the establishment of a regulated system of marijuana distribution so that marijuana is labeled and people can see the THC content of what they are buying."  For an example of the coverage, which we managed to absorb quite a bit of, check out CBS 4. On the right is a Video box. One of the current "Main Video Clips" says, "Supporters of Marijuana Initiative Say Major Bust Prompted by Politics." If it is not there, click on "See All." You should then be able to find it. As you will see, Tvert is pissed, and he lets the DEA agents have it right to their faces. They were just ten feet away, when he loudly answered a question about why the DEA might be using such a shady political tactic: "They're scared as s***."The CBS 4 story actually used a little beep on the expletive, which is quite funny in the segment. There is also video of the NBC 9 story available on-line.
Posted
12:10 AM
by SAFER Choice
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Yesterday's Boulder Daily Camera had a front-page feature story on Amendment 44. The quality of the story is pretty shoddy, as it gives an awful lot of leeway to our opponents -- who for some reason are solely law enforcement officials -- and allows for a lot of bullshit. For example:
All it takes is reading the initiative language or any of the ballot analysis to recognize that this is utterly false. It will remain completely illegal to use or display marijuana in public, thus there would be enforcement on 4/20 at CU as always. But the reporter allows him to suggest it will be a public smoke-out free-for-all if Amendment 44 passes. More importantly, Lt. McGraw knows (or should know) about the difference in the two laws, as he is one of the fine folks who protects and serves our community by citing adults under these laws. So, if he is unaware of the difference in private use laws (CRS 18-18-406(1)) and public use laws (18-18-406(3)), he is incompetent. If he is aware of the difference, he's intentionallly misleading the readers. Which is it Lt. McGraw? We suggest you take a second and ask him yourself. And while you're at it, consider letting the reporter know that you thought she should have done her homework and called these guys out on this nonsense rather than eating it up with a spoon. Thursday, October 19, 2006
Posted
12:58 AM
by SAFER Choice
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Last night the proponents of a Colorado state ballot initiative to make marijuana legal for adults squared off with opponents from...Florida? That's right. Florida. SAFER Campaign Director Mason Tvert pointed this repeatedly and was even chided by moderator Aaron Harber for doing so. But we must ask Mr. Harber, who will have moderated 21 of these debates as part of the Colorado Decides 2006 series: Has he had any other guest on any of the 20 other shows who resided outside of Colorado? We highly doubt it. So while we understand the residency of the guests is hardly as important as the topic of the debate, it is certainly important to point out that our opposition is NOT based in Colorado. They are federal officials and national anti-drug groups, and they are doing everything in their power to ensure responsible adult marijuana users remain criminals. Thus, we have no regrets about pointing this out, however obnoxious and off-topic it might seem. After all, our opponents aren't going to be arrested and prosecuted if they lose. Tens of thousands of Coloradans are. It has been 70-plus years since prohibition of marijuana began, and otherwise law-abiding adults are still being treated as criminals for simply using a less harmful drug than alcohol. We are not about to hold back now and allow this madness to continue. And we will certainly show NO mercy... The Rocky Mountain News has a pretty good article on the debate in today's paper. One particular part summarizes this entire campaign.
This part was pretty good, too: At another point, Tvert tried to link Amendment 44 opponents to a Florida group that he alleged once withheld food from children and forced them to recite religious hymns as part of an anti-drug campaign. "That allegation is borderline slanderous," countered Dr. Dave Krahl of Save Our Society from Drugs. "He is making allegations that are unsubstantiated and untrue."Unsubstantiated, eh? Well, let us lay it out for you: Our primary opponents (ie. best funded and leading the charge) are a group based in Florida called Save Our Society From Drugs (SOS). They even have a St. Petersburgh, FL, bank listed as their financial institution on their campaign finance reports. Dr. David Krahl is the deputy director of SOS, and as Tvert pointed out he lives and works in Florida when he is not meddling in Colorado state politics. The director of Save Our Society From Drugs is Calvina Fay, who is also the director of the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF) and resides in Florida. If her name sounds familiar, perhaps it's because she has also been out to Colorado to campaign against Amendment 44. DFAF and SOS are both founded and funded by the same folks, and they actually share the same office (in FLORIDA!). DFAF was formerly Straight, Inc. before it changed its name following a barage of lawsuits, government action against it and exposure in the media. Want to find out everything you need to know about the horrors of Straight, Inc. You can check out this site, which was developed by the parent of a child who was tortured in the program. Or you can read a shorter compilation of the atrocities carried out by Straight, Inc. in this article. The only positive thing that came of Straight, Inc. was the emergence of watchdog groups that now monitor for such insane "drug treatment" facilities. So, is it slander, Dr. Krahl? Or the unfortunate truth that you work for people who used to torture kids to keep them from using drugs and only stopped because they had to. Want to file a suit and draw some much-needed attention to this story? Bring it...
Posted
12:38 AM
by SAFER Choice
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The cover story in the most recent edition of Vail Trail, a lifestyle publication (much like Westword) serving the Vail Valley, discusses voter apathy in the area and folks' general unfamiliarity with state election candidates and issues. Nevertheless, it demonstrates that people are more aware of the marijuana initiative on the ballot than they are of most other issues. ...he had “no clue” about the county commissioner candidates, didn’t know what home rule was, named decriminalization of marijuana and child abuse laws as two of the state ballot issues and said the county coroner was an appointed, rather than an elected, position...We've clearly done our job getting the word out. Now we just need these people to get out and vote...
Posted
12:31 AM
by SAFER Choice
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Today's USA Today has a great article on Amendment 44 and the similar effort underway in Nevada. It is hoped this will draw the attention of other media outlets, who will hopefully follow suit.
Posted
12:23 AM
by SAFER Choice
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Colorado Public Radio (CPR) -- the state affiliate of National Public Radio (NPR) -- will be airing a debate between SAFER Campaign Director Mason Tvert and our opponents' spokesperson-of-the-day Linda Roady. The program, Colorado Matters, will air at 10 a.m. MST and 7 p.m. MST on KCFR 1340 AM, or you can listen to it live on-line. Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Posted
2:03 AM
by SAFER Choice
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Denver city councilman and rhinestone cowboy Charlie Brown has decided to get back on his high-horse (or should we say drunk horse, Charlie's a scotch drinker) and throw his hat back into the ring. He just can't kick his anti-marijuana habit. As you might recall, Brown was the elected official who walked up and down south Denver streets last year yanking out yard signs for SAFER's Denver initiative (I-100). He was really the only elected official to actively oppose the measure, and he turned out to be a God-send as the lead opponent of I-100. In fact, we sent him a Charlie Brown-themed thank-you note after our victory. Anyway, this guy is now attacking his fellow councilman, Doug Linkhart, for supporting Amendment 44. He made the following comments in a CBS 4 story yesterday: "I don't want to see national headlines if this is approved because I do think it will bring in an element of drug selling that we don't need in this city," Brown said. "That's not the kind of new business we need to attract to our city or to our state."There are just so many great responses to this: 1) Does he really think marijuana dealers are going to pick up and move to Colorado? As he put it during a debate with SAFER Campaign Director Mason Tvert on MSNBC last year: "We don't need no hippies in their tied-down T-shirts and VW buses..." This guy is clearly delusional... 2) Brown has no problem with drug dealers like Beer Barron Pete Coors and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper setting up shop and reeling in the profits from a far more damaging drug than marijuana. His excuse for the hypocrisy: "But alcohol's a legal drug." So by all means Charlie, marijuana must remain illegal because...it's illegal? How did this guy get elected, anyway? 3) If you don't want to see national headlines, don't get involved this time. These were the headlines when Councilman Brown was at the reins last year: Pot vote prompts worldwide attention - Rocky Mountain News, 11/4/05 Headlines (complete with stories) about the Denver initiative Brown fought so hard against also appeared in/on: Washington Post
Posted
1:22 AM
by SAFER Choice
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Columnists often note that the public is growing more apathetic and disenchanted with the political process every year. Why? Perhaps it's because when an elected official, such as Denver City Councilman Doug Linkhart, actually stands up for the people they represent -- not to mention what they know to be right and just -- they get criticized by these very same commentators. Jim Spencer's column in today's Denver Post is a grotesque effort to appeal to the worst in people by preaching about how others should vote just as he does. Jim, just because you want to vote against something doesn't mean everyone who disagrees is out to get your children. After all, consider this point YOU made in a March 23, 2005, column on a Democratic blog: [S]ocieties that smother dissent are never free.So, it's been established that Mr. Spencer is a total poseur when it comes to issues of liberty and dissent, and readers should no longer take any of his Thomas Paine-esque calls for freedom seriously. We've got two words for you, Jim. 1) sell 2) out PLEASE contact Jim Spencer and let him know he reeks of hypocrisy. You can also contact the editors to let them know you're tired of hearing the Denver Post columnist choir sing out against the devil weed in hopes of saving the innocent children.
Posted
12:54 AM
by SAFER Choice
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Reason Magazine Senior Editor Jacob Sullum dedicated his on-line column this week to highlighting the fact that our opponents are scared out of their wits that Colorado and Nevada could both be making marijuana legal for adults come November 7. The Colorado campaign, which goes by the name SAFER (Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation), emphasizes that marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol and asks, "Should adults be punished for making the rational choice to use marijuana instead of alcohol?" This approach puts prohibitionists on the defensive by asking them to justify the disparate legal treatment of the two drugs.Thank you, Mr. Sullum, for being the voice of Reason... Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Posted
1:29 AM
by SAFER Choice
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Talk about ass-backward. The ONDCP had another member of its goon squad in Colorado campaigning against Amendment 44 yesterday, railing on marijuana as a "gateway drug" to methamphetamine. This from an office that has been criticized by Republican and Democratic U.S. senators for focusing too much of its attention and resources on marijuana and not enough attention on the growing meth problem. Nevertheless, this old-school scare tactic led to this piece of yellow journalism in the Denver Post. Kudos federal government -- you truly can get any old bullshit printed in a major newspaper, regardless of whether it is substantiated at all. Consider the title: "Plan called a meth gateway." Just because someone says something, that doesn't mean it is legitimate and should be the headline of a news article. Otherwise, we will certainly be putting out a release tomorrow in hopes of a follow-up headlined, "ONDCP's front door a dishonest-asshole gateway." After all, when we were informed of the comments made by the ONDCP official about marijuana being the "gateway" to meth, we provided the reporter with these specific facts. Did he read them? Did the ONDCP provide any facts of their own? From: mason@saferchoice.org |
