Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Lou, you ignorant slut! Look, everybody knows that Dobbs has a few screws loose, and I should probably ignore him when he spout a combination of lies and junk science and pretends that it's knowledge, but it's hard to resist. Here are a few tidbits from the transcript DOBBS: And our special report, "The War Within," the detrimental effects, the dangerous effects of marijuana. Researchers now say marijuana may cause long-term brain damage and cancer. That special report and an interview upcoming. [...] STEVEN STEINER, AMERICANS FOR DRUG FREE YOUTH: You've got to remember something. This whole legalization movement isn't just about marijuana. These people want to legalize heroin, meth, cocaine for recreational use. Make no mistake about it. [...] STEPHEN DEWEY, BROOKHAVEN NAT'L. LABORATORY: Not only does it alter the structure, the brain's chemistry, but you run the risk that the alterations that you produce today will manifest themselves in ten years or 20 years. [...] TUCKER: Impaired memory and feelings of anxiety are more than just jokes. They are reality. So, too, are frequent respiratory infections and there is concern that the cancer risk of marijuana users is higher, which is why the American Cancer Society does not endorse, smoke marijuana, nor its legalization. [...] DOBBS: Well, marijuana, thought to be harmless by many, particularly baby boomers, who have been associated with drug for decades. It's now known to be a dangerously addictive drug and it's long-term effects are still being studied. [...] DOBBS: The idea that this could cause cancer, is that a result of the qualities of marijuana, or of the inhalation of the smoke? Or can you tell? DEWEY: You know, that's a good question. I believe it's more related to the inhalation of what's in the marijuana itself, as opposed to the THC, the psychoactive component. [...] DOBBS: I mean, what do have -- my God, this is a substance that's been in broad use now for 30 or 40 years in this country. We should know what we're talking about. DEWEY: I think there are actually two things here that speak directly to your question. One is it's very difficult to find people who just use marijuana. You know, you have to tease apart marijuana use with alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD. You have situations where it's not straight forward looking at just a marijuana user because they're poly-drug-abusers. Several thoughts: One. Steve Steiner? The incredibly sick and twisted pervert that's getting paid off by the drug companies to use his dead son (who was killed by prescription drugs) to try to harm patients who are using medical marijuana? Right, Lou. [And Steve, I know you'll be reading this. I phrased it this way on purpose to make a point -- because somebody needs to remind you in plain English what it is that you're doing.] Two. Notice Dewey's polydrug statement at the end. Sounds remarkably like the talking point that Souder was using on Tucker Carlson's show. Looks like somebody's getting the puppets to sing this tune. I can't believe they're actually trying it, given how transparent the lie is (as Tucker immediately pointed out). Three. Notice the "cancer" dance? Talk about avoiding the facts! I've sent a note to Dewey asking if he was speaking as an official government representative. I'll let you know if he responds [Update] -- Dewey was nice enough to respond to my email. He says that he is not a government employee (despite the .gov email address). He also defends his marijuana and cancer non-answer by citing a number of earlier studies related to head and neck cancer and states: I agree that the data are not clear and that some authors may have changed their original position on whether there is an increased risk of cancers associated with marijuana use but I also think it would be negligent given the uncertainty at this point to suggest that there is no increased risk of cancers from marijuana use. 11:50:20 PM | drug policy | Related  | permalink | comment []

Open Thread Going out of town again today, so fill me in on what I'm missing. Here's a fascinating recap of what appeared to be a pretty good discussion on legalization in Polk County, Florida, featuring Peter Christ of LEAP, along with Brad Copley from the office of the state attorney, 10th Judicial Circuit, and Marion Moorman, public defender. Sigh. What can you say when an article titled GOP lawmakers look for advice on drug war starts off with "We need to build more jail cells..."? 9:48:16 AM | drug policy | Related  | permalink | comment []

For the children OK, here's a quiz to test whether you are a member of the human race: What would be better for children? Being raised by their family and living at home along with parents and a plant Having their parents kidnapped and put in a dungeon for 15 years while the children are sent to foster homes If you are a functioning human being, unless the plant is Audrey II, your answer is A. So what does that make Nevada State Senator Joe Heck? Nevada parents who grow a single marijuana plant in their home where children live could be subject to a prison term of up to 15 years, according to a bill that was debated Monday at the Nevada Legislature. Senate Bill 5, sponsored by state Sen. Joe Heck, R-Las Vegas, would subject parents who grow or sell marijuana in the presence of children to the same penalties as adults who operate methamphetamine labs in front of children. [Thanks, Allan] 9:32:50 AM | drug policy | Related  | permalink | comment []