Monthly Archives: July 2011

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sensiblewashington.org -Yes on I1149


UPDATE 7/3: The State deadline for signatures is Friday, July 8th. Please allow sufficient time for your petitions to arrive at our headquarters for processing. Given the July 4th holiday, anything being mailed at this point needs to be sent via overnight delivery.

If you’re holding completed or partially completed I-1149 petitions, it’s time to get them back to Sensible Washington headquarters.  No amount of signatures is too small. By all means, keep collecting signatures for the next two weeks, but it’s critically important to submit those signatures already collected.

To make things easy, there are several ways to get them back to the mothership:

Sensible Washington
PO Box 1184
Seattle, WA 98111-1184

  • Call our campaign number at 206-707-5502 and arrange pickup.
  • In the Seattle area? Drop off your petitions in the lobby of The Joint Cooperative in the U-District (Monday-Friday 11-7).

Don’t wait until July. Send those petitions back to us. And thank you for your continued hard work in the fight for freedom.

About I-1149

Help us make cannabis legal in Washington in 2011.

Many people don’t know this, but there are now dispensary-like businesses and cooperatives in Washington where you can obtain tested medical marijuana safely over the counter with a credit card.

Unfortunately, medical marijuana is only available in these kinds of safe environments for those who know the right people and can afford or find a doctor who will make the recommendation.

Sensible Washington intends to fix that.  We are organizing a team of 10,000+ activists statewide to gather signatures and place Initiative 1149 on the November 2011 ballot.  The initiative is simple:  it removes all criminal penalties for possession, use, manufacture or delivery of cannabis among adults and directs the Legislature to create taxation and regulatory system as appropriate.

It makes medicine safely available to patients without having to go to the black market.

Legal strategy: learn from the repeal of prohibition

Why take this simple approach to the initiative?

History shows that the best way to end prohibition is to simply repeal prohibition language.  In 1932 Washington was one of the states that repealed prohibition on alcohol through a statewide initiative.  The initiative removed all state laws criminalizing alcohol, leaving the Legislature the task of creating regulations, which it did.  Their initiative language gave nothing for the Federal Government to attack since it simply removed state prohibition laws and nothing new was being added that would conflict with Federal law.

This is still the best strategy.  When trying to legalize a federally controlled substance, there is always the problem of conflict with the supreme law of the land.  If we pass code that includes regulation for something that is not allowed federally, the government has the power to trump the law leaving us back at square one, but with our funders and our volunteers demoralized.  It could happen immediately or years down the road when a hostile Federal administration takes power.

Polling and political strategy

Polling this year affirms that we can win in Washington as soon as legalization is put to the popular vote.  Washington is one of the best polling states in the country for legalizing cannabis, with 52% of the public in favor of legalizing marijuana and only 35% opposed statewide.

Looking at the bigger picture, it makes sense nationally as well as locally to repeal prohibition in Washington in 2011.  National legalization organizations are gearing up for a big push in 2012.  Their resources could be used in tougher states if Washington were to legalize in 2011 and no resources were then needed here in 2012. Sensible Washington can get on the ballot with minimal funding because of the breadth of our volunteer base.  Plus, if Washington State does not have an initiative running in 2011, the issue will be quiet for a year at a time when we need to make it louder.  An early victory in Washington would be a powerful precedent in the 2012 elections for other states.

But there is another reason to proceed in 2011.  This issue is just too urgent to wait until it’s a sure thing.  We all know the terrible toll of marijuana prohibition– 15,000 arrests in Washington every year, $100 million-plus of tax dollars wasted, dying medical patients being prosecuted for medical use, organ transplants denied to legitimate medical cannabis patients, people losing their children.  .  .  We lawyers see the dark side of prohibition in our work.

We can’t allow this to go on.  Many of us have been fighting to protect people in the courts, and some of us have even made our livings defending marijuana cases, but the time is right to fix the problem.  We can’t wait any longer to repeal prohibition knowing that every year, 15,000 people will be harmed and that the public supports us now.

Sensible Washington is already on the ground recruiting and mobilizing thousands of grass-roots activists, developing our cutting edge online networking technology, keeping the issue alive in the press, and filling positions in our vast campaign infrastructure.

During the 2010 effort, our I-1068 initiative got 2/3 of the required signatures with a base of 1,500 activists and little money. Next year, we’ll be starting with 10,000 people or more.   We have the early endorsement of NORML (the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) and many others.  We anticipate beginning signature gathering in January or February of 2011.

Give back some of the money you’ve made from pot prohibition.

If you believe in this cause, now is the time to support it.  You know firsthand just how dysfunctional prohibition is.  Dig Deep. This year your dollars will actually make a difference.

Click here to give online or to mail a check or credit card contribution in the address listed there.

Thank you and we look forward to your response!

Jeffrey Steinborn – Initiative Co-sponsor

Douglas Hiatt – Initiative Co-author

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

The First Founders of PEI -Prince Edward Island


The First Founders of PEI

Road to Avonlea is rich in historical detail about the lives of the settlers of Prince Edward Island just after the turn of the 20th century.  But, much like the rest of Canada and the United States, the residents of Avonlea were not the initial founders of the land.  Here is a short summary of the history of one of the most culturally and physically beautiful islands in the world.

–    For thousands of years, it was the Micmac (or Mi’kmaq)  people who lived on Prince Edward Island.  They originally called it Epekwit (pronounced Abegweit), which means “land cradled on the waves”.   Their legend says that the Great Spirit first created the universe, then the Micmac people, and then saw that there was extra clay left over.  So he molded the clay into a crescent form, which became the island – “the most beautiful jewel in the universe”.  Today, the Micmacs represent a very tiny percentage of the main population.

–    The first explorer to find the island was Jacques Cartier in 1534.  When he first saw the land, he was overcome with its beauty and, standing on his ship, described it as “…the fairest land ‘tis possible to see!”.

–    The first white settlers – who were Acadian, of French origin – settled themselves at Port La Joye in 1720.  This was right across the harbour from Charlottown.  They named the island Île Saint-Jean, but due to the ensuing war between the French and English, the island’s name and occupiers changed many times.

–    In 1758, when Britain was occupying the island, they deported many of the Acadian people back to Europe.  Some of these people were then sent from France to settle Louisiana, which makes them the “Cajuns”.  Those who stayed on the island had to find a safe place to live.

–    Captain Samuel Holland was sent in 1764 to survey the land.  He then divided it into 67 different townships, and land grants were bid on by rich British subjects back in London.  For about a century after, the settlers and farmers of these townships had to deal with landlords that were not present and unwavering rent collectors.  It wasn’t until 1853 that the Land Purchase Act was passed, which allowed the Island government to buy back these lots and sell them to the tenants.

–    In 1873, Prince Edward Island officially joined the confederation of Canada.

–    PEI became very prosperous and experienced a “golden age” in the mid-nineteenth century due to its ship-building industry.  Within 50 years, 3,100 vessels were built there.

–    Throughout the 18th and 19th century, the island accepted Scottish settlers fleeing from hardships in their own land, as well as thousands of Irishmen hoping to find a better life there.  It also saw many Americans – the United Empire Loyalists – move up north to the island during the American War of Independence.

Source: Prince Edward Island Visitor’s Guide

Photo: The Micmac tribe of PEI.

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

July 4th & some News …


 In the summer of 2010 with a major vote looming we were asked to see our government’s deficit as something comparable to any person who is financially under water with some hard decisions that will hurt many but had to be made. We all know deals were made in the 11th hour and though folks hated what happened i wish people would open their eyes and acknowledge what would have been the alternative with a fresh set of eyes and information.

The Republican Party that was your father’s generation is no longer able to or wants to debate negotiate for  …

“The good of the many outweighs the good of the one.” … or few

So, now it is the summer of 2011, with another major vote looming that could either sink us into the ditch that President Obama pulled us out.  The Government asked us to be patient, ask ourselves how long it would take to get out of debt given the severity and trust that we will prevail. Neither the problem nor the solution that branches out globally can happen in just 24 months. In addition, we have a Political Party who practices exclusion with obstructionist behavior, some conservadems and not enough mainstream democrats seem willing to vote or fight for the people. It is not lost on most of us how many obstacles the Democratic Party is fighting like that 60-vote rule which has tied the hands of progress for the last 2years, Republicans threatening to bring the whole system to its knees by filibustering on every JOBs bill put on the Floor of Congress while the Democratic Party has promised not to buckle under pressure. It is one year later and the BS continues and the 11th hour is here.

The 4th of July weekend for many is just another day, some use it to contemplate on what Independence Day means to them, some partake in public services while others are thinking about war and the intent for independence and the power that it gives.  It feels more like our independence is being compromised every time the Republicans fail to do the right thing for their fellow Americans each and everyday. The 4th is also a time to think about war and how unimaginable what our Soldiers actually go through but it seems like a dose of hell daily. I can only image what Military families experience but we civilians definitely should be aware of their sacrifices and be grateful. It is a feeling civilians in war-torn countries feel, victims of dictatorship and  war correspondence cover. So, as we all celebrate our own style of independence give a shout out to those you know, love and miss who serve and protect us.

In other disturbing news that happened right about now back in 2010 and is resurfacing as the Republican Party plows through State Jobs,worker rights and State Parks – in State after State. Apparently, in a procedure that is not getting much news coverage but gained some steam after Governor Dave Freudenthal threatened the sale of the Grand Teton. Now, there are reports that the Governor of Florida wants to privatize some if not all State parks which if you do some research will find that most if not all belonged to the Native Americans and maybe it is just me but this seems like a reckless and disrespectful move.  It was disappointing to read how the federal government sets aside land and then while we real people look the other way sells it, privatized for things like mining and or logging which we all know has a whole lot of negative backlash let alone not at all environmentally responsible.  Yes, the government took land from the first nation’s people saying one thing doing another back in the day actually wanting to buy sell and or trade it to the highest bidder knowing the value will increase but stop and think about how words and deeds done in the best interest of our countries first people became corrupted. Yes, history repeats itself… like the land set asides in Texas and Florida that they said was placed in a trust for Native Americans only to find out that they can buy it back at fair market value…. dang, If I understand what I read, Congress voted to take land and sell it back at a profit was unbelievable, seemed unchallenged and done quietly. In my opinion, a trust should be a positive thing but reading how some guy voted into a public servant position, probably has no American Native background throw around his plan to sell the land as, “Trash land” to other non-native folk. I do not know what happened after 7/4/2010 but it was clear the interior Department, Bureau of land management and the State fought over control of first nation land and not one mention of first nation being represented at the meeting however the 800 thousand acres taken is impressive …No?  Today, the NPS is entrusted with land holdings that have transitioned into plenty of things such as state and national parks made for everyone to use but the fact is these parks are or pieces of them suffer from fires, pollution, crime and are not as green as they should be. In the case of Wyoming, reports are that the Governor is trying to sell pieces of the parks away. I was surprised and disappointed to find that the Gov. of Washington privatized so much of our forests and some water ways in 2005. The disappointment looms from the fact that most if not all forests and waterways in our Evergreen State belonged to native americans and though the intentions went from bad to a supposed good idea of  stewardship and production of our own sustainable products our forests seem abused and mishandled. There was a report of a loss of over 700 thousand acres to big corporate developers, right of ways and agriculture since 1978. I gotta ask when will  Republican Governors and unfortunately some from the Democratic Party currently shutting down their own governments, planning to privatize parks,  public service organizations and jobs and totally responsible for leaving huge deficits with supporting Republican legislators refusing to balance the books learn.

I always say get nervous when people talk States Rights and depending on the issue the impact will hurt and be felt by those covered under the term “protected class.”

“If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of learning from experience.”  –George Bernard Shaw

Other News …

Essence Music Festival comes to smooth

…

Lack of rain is keeping the mosquito
count down this year

Casey Anthony Trial: State’s Rebuttal

Libya wants volunteers to fight

Exxon Pipeline Oil Spill Cleanup

Big Banks Easing Terms on Loans Deemed
as Risks

CSPAN …

Chief Justice, Dalai Lama on C-SPAN

Discussions on immigration, foreign policy also among Fourth of July highlights

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Highlights From BookTV

special Fourth of July programming

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Senator Akaka introduces bill for financial literacy counseling | Hawaii 24/7

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Bill Clinton Backs U.S. Tax Holiday on Foreign Profits, With Caveats – Bloomberg

Black History

Congress on the 1st of July – Vacation until 7/5


CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 1, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

10:05 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn. The next meeting is
scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on July 5, 2011.

10:03 A.M. – Pursuant to section 1(k)(2) of H.Res. 895, One Hundred Tenth Congress, and
section 4(c) of H.Res. 5, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, the Clerk notified the
House that Yvonne Burke, Karen English, Bill Frenzel, Porter J. Goss, Abner, J.
Mikva, David El. Skaggs, Omar Ashmawy, William H. Cable, Laura Cole, Mary K.
Flanagan, Scott Gast, David Hartzler, Kedric L. Payne, Paul Solis, and Nathaniel
Wright have signed an agreement to not be a candidate for the office of Senator
or Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress for
purposes of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 until at least 3 years
after he or she is no longer a member of the board or staff of the Office of
Congressional Ethics.

10:02 A.M. – The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission
granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of
Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message
from the Secretary of the Senate on June 29, 2011, at 5:45 p.m., stating that
that body had passed S. 679.

10:01 A.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I,
the Journal stands approved.

10:00 A.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend William George, Cathedral of St.
Matthew, Washington, DCThe Speaker designated the Honorable Jeffrey M. Landry to act as Speaker pro
tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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The Senate convenes on July 5, 2011