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09
Jul

L.F. Eason III is my fucking hero

By nick.adams 0 Comments
Categories: Politics and Race

From the Raleigh News & Observer

RALEIGH – L.F. Eason III gave up the only job he’d ever had rather than lower a flag to honor former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms.

Eason, a 29-year veteran of the state Department of Agriculture, instructed his staff at a small Raleigh lab not to fly the U.S. or North Carolina flags at half-staff Monday, as called for in a directive to all state agencies by Gov. Mike Easley.

When a superior ordered the lab to follow the directive, Eason decided to retire rather than pay tribute to Helms. After several hours’ delay, one of Eason’s employees hung the flags at half-staff.

20
Jun

Hurray! More change!

By nick.adams 0 Comments
Categories: Politics and Uncategorized

 

Glenn Greenwald calls Obama out on his FISA capitulation:

UPDATE VII: Barack Obama got around to issuing a statement and — citing what he calls "the grave threats that we face" — he just announced that he supports this warrantless eavesdropping and telecom amnesty "compromise":

Given the grave threats that we face, our national security agencies must have the capability to gather intelligence and track down terrorists before they strike, while respecting the rule of law and the privacy and civil liberties of the American people. . . .

After months of negotiation, the House today passed a compromise that, while far from perfect, is a marked improvement over last year’s Protect America Act. . . It does, however, grant retroactive immunity, and I will work in the Senate to remove this provision so that we can seek full accountability for past offenses.

It is not all that I would want. But given the legitimate threats we face, providing effective intelligence collection tools with appropriate safeguards is too important to delay. So I support the compromise, but do so with a firm pledge that as President, I will carefully monitor the program, review the report by the Inspectors General, and work with the Congress to take any additional steps I deem necessary to protect the lives -– and the liberty –- of the American people.

Telling Americans that we have to give up basic constitutional rights — and allow rampant lawbreaking — if we want to save ourselves from "the grave threats we face" sounds awfully familiar. He says he will work to remove amnesty from the bill, but once that fails, will vote for the "compromise." Obama has obviously calculated that sacrificing the rule of law and the Fourth Amendment is a worthwhile price to pay to bolster his standing a tiny bit in a couple of swing states. The full Obama statement is here.

 

 

19
Jun

Just like that, Dianne Feinstein loses my vote forever

By nick.adams 0 Comments
Categories: Dennis Kucinich and Politics

If you refuse to hold war criminals accountable for their actions, what fucking good are you to me?

—————————

Dear Mr. Adams:

 

           Thank you for your letter concerning impeachment proceedings against President Bush. I appreciate the time you took to write and welcome the opportunity to respond.

 

In our recent elections, the American people expressed clear disapproval with the path this country was on. They are tired of partisan politics and of an Administration that pays little heed to the wishes of the American people. They want-and deserve-a Congress that holds the Administration accountable and fulfills its Constitutional responsibility to check and balance the Executive. I share this sentiment and am determined to work hard and across party lines in the United States Senate to promote issues that are of real concern to most Americans, including the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, homeland security, global warming, and lobbying and election reform.

 

At this time, however, I believe that impeachment proceedings against President Bush will only divide the country even further, frustrating our hopes for a meaningful change in direction, while having little chance of success.

 

I have been deeply disappointed by many of this Administration’s actions and have been outspoken in those instances. Nevertheless, given the challenges our country faces I believe that we need to focus on constructive and cooperative steps that would lead us in the right direction.

 

Again, thank you for your continued correspondence. If you have any further questions or comments, please contact my office in Washington, D.C. at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.

 

 

Sincerely yours,

Dianne Feinstein

 

        United States Senator

27
May

Another non-response from Henry Waxman

By nick.adams 1 Comment
Categories: Politics and marijuana

 

And here I was thinking that I might get an actual substantive answer from someone who is elected to represent my interest in Washington.  Silly me.

————————

May 27, 2008

Mr. Nick Adams
8335 1/4 Blackburn Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90048-4217

Dear Mr. Adams:

       Thank you for contacting me to follow up on our recent
correspondence concerning H.R. 5843, a bill to remove federal
penalties for the personal use of marijuana.  Although we have a
different perspective on the issue, I appreciate having the benefit
of your view.  I hope you will continue to keep in touch in the
future on matters of concern.

     To learn more about my work in Congress or sign up for
periodic e-mail updates, please visit www.waxman.house.gov and
http://oversight.house.gov.

     Again, thank you for contacting me and I hope you will
continue to keep in touch on issues of concern.

       With kind regards, I am

Sincerely,

Henry A. Waxman
Member of Congress.

—————————–

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

 

The Honorable Henry Waxman
2204 Rayburn House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

 

Dear Representative Waxman,

I’m just curious as to what your perspective is.  I have taken the logical and common sense tact that there is no reason to continue the criminalization of a substance that has been demonstrated to be significantly less harmful to the user and to society than alcohol, tobacco and prescription drugs.  Since you have refused to even address the points that I made in my original letter, it’s impossible for me to know where you stand.  I’ll repeat:

Right now, thousands of your constituents in Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood are partaking of marijuana in the comfort and safety of their own homes, harming no one.

Why continue to treat them like criminals?

 

Sincerely, 

 

Nick Adams

21
May

Giving credit where it’s due

By nick.adams 0 Comments
Categories: Politics, Uncategorized and sports

I don’t know shit about the House Rules or Jefferson’s Manual, but I do know a double talking bureaucrat when I see one. Henry Waxman is trying his best to get a straight answer out of EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson.  When Darrell Issa tries to interrupt, he comes this close to getting the business end of the gavel.  Great job Rep. Waxman!  Now, answer my question.

Also, there are three C-Spans now? 

 

15
May

A reply from Henry Waxman

By nick.adams 2 Comments
Categories: Los Angeles, Politics, Uncategorized, drug war, drugs and marijuana

I contacted Rep. Waxman and urged him to support HR 5843.   This is his reply. 

May 13, 2008

Mr. Nick Adams
8335 1/4 Blackburn Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90048-4217

Dear Mr. Adams:

       Thank you for contacting me to express your support for
the legalization of recreational drug use.  I appreciate your taking
the time to get in touch.

       As you know, studies show that illegal drugs damage the
human brain, and many of these drugs have addictive properties
and take a huge toll on drug users, their families, and communities.
While I do not support the legalization of recreational drug use, I
believe that individuals suffering from terminal diseases such as
cancer and AIDS should receive compassionate pain relief through
drugs and therapies, including medicinal marijuana.  I have also
long advocated the use of needle exchange programs as an
effective public health measure.

       For decades, federal and state governments have pursued
anti-drug policies that stress punishment over prevention and
treatment.  As a result, first-time nonviolent drug offenders have
overwhelmed prison systems.  I believe we must bring balance to
our policy and have consistently supported significant increases in
funding for prevention and treatment programs.  I have also
strongly opposed mandatory sentencing laws for first-time
nonviolent offenders.

       Although we have a different perspective on this issue, I
appreciate your taking the time to contact me, and hope you will
stay in touch on issues of concern.

        To learn more about my work in Congress or sign up for periodic
e-mail updates, please visit www.house.gov/waxman and
www.oversight.house.gov.

       With kind regards, I am

Sincerely,

Henry A. Waxman
Member of Congress.

———————

My reply:

The Honorable Henry Waxman
2204 Rayburn House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Rep. Waxman,

Thank you for your reply. In your letter you state the following:

As you know, studies show that illegal drugs damage the
human brain, and many of these drugs have addictive properties
and take a huge toll on drug users, their families, and communities.

First of all, we must keep this conversation specific to marijuana.  By using phrases like "illegal drugs" and "these drugs" you’re attempting to lump marijuana in with significantly more dangerous and physically addictive drugs like cocaine, heroin and meth.  That’s the same tactic used by the DEA, Partnership for a Drug Free America, etc.  You and I both know that this is a  scientifically and medically unsound comparison to make.  We know this, of course, because of the findings of doctors and scientists.  I pointed you toward some of those findings in my initial letter. As one of the many individuals whom you are charged with serving, I would appreciate it if you would refrain from using such transparent tactics in the future. Frankly, it’s an insult. 

I contacted you specifically about HR 5843.  This is a bill that would decriminalize possession of a substance that we know to be less harmful to the user and to society than alcohol, tobacco and prescription drugs.  Ironically all those substances can "damage the human brain…have addictive properties and take a huge toll on drug users, their families, and communities." 

I eagerly await a more logical and fact-based response. 

Sincerely,

 

Nick Adams

 

 

 

 

02
May

Dear students of Wake Forest University

By nick.adams 0 Comments
Categories: Politics and Wake Forest

Please demonstrate/protest/boycott this warmongering, duplicitous, clueless asshole.

McCain to speak at Wake Forest May 6 in Wait Chapel

April 29, 2008

Sen. John McCain will speak at Wake Forest University May 6 in Wait Chapel.

Officials with McCain’s campaign have provided initial details about the event to the university.  Wait Chapel doors will open at 8 a.m. for the event, which is expected to start about 10 a.m.

The event will be free and open to the public, according to campaign officials.

 

Appearing alongside Grandpa "100 years of war" McCain will be Sen. Richard "President Bush is right 96% of the time" Burr, Sen. Fred "Why did I leave Law & Order?" Thompson, and Sent. Sam "I don’t believe in evolution" Brownback. 

I hope there are enough activists on the campus of my alma mater to give these clowns the kind of welcome they deserve. 

 

21
Apr

A letter to Henry Waxman regarding HR 5843

By nick.adams 1 Comment
Categories: Politics, drug war, drugs, marijuana and medical marijuana

Monday, April 21, 2008

 

The Honorable Henry Waxman
2204 Rayburn House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

 

Dear Representative Waxman,

Last Thursday, Rep. Barney Frank introduced HR 5843.  As you are no doubt aware, this legislation would do away with all federal penalties for the possession of up to 100 grams of marijuana.  I am writing to strongly urge you to support this long-overdue, common sense policy change.  Your political science degree and years of civil service mean that you’ve likely forgotten more about the history and inner workings of this great nation than I’ve ever known.  However, I would like to remind you of two key moments in the history of our drug policy.

In 1944, the LaGuardia Committee concluded that:

The practice of smoking marihuana does not lead to addiction in the medical sense of the word

The use of marihuana does not lead to morphine or heroin or cocaine addiction and no effort is made to create a market for these narcotics by stimulating the practice of marihuana smoking.

Marihuana is not the determining factor in the commission of major crimes. 

Almost 30 years later, in 1972, President Nixon’s National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse issued their report titled, Marihuana: A Signal of Misunderstanding.  Their findings:

The Commission feels that the criminalization of possession of marihuana for personal is socially self-defeating as a means of achieving this objective.
    …

Considering the range of social concerns in contemporary America, marihuana does not, in our considered judgment, rank very high. We would de-emphasize marihuana as a problem.
The existing social and legal policy is out of proportion to the individual and social harm engendered by the use of the drug. To replace it, we have attempted to design a suitable social policy, which we believe is fair, cautious and attuned to the social realities of our time.

And yet, here we are.  36 more years have passed and our elected officials have flatly refused to do what they are charged to do; craft legislation that is in the best interest of their constituents. I hope that you keep these points in mind when considering whether or not to support this legislation, and are not swayed by the campaign of willful ignorance, racism and corporate interference that has long been waged against both the plant and the citizens who choose to use it.  Right now, thousands of your constituents in Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood are partaking of marijuana in the comfort and safety of their own homes, harming no one.

Why continue to treat them like criminals?

 

Sincerely,

 

Nick Adams

 

28
Mar

You tell ‘em, Ms. Jocelyn!

By nick.adams 1 Comment
Categories: Politics, drug war and marijuana

You remember Jocelyn Elders, right?  She was US Surgeon General under our last, allegedly Democratic President.  You  know, the  one who was supposedly down with Black folks?  The last time she was in the news she was being thrown under the bus by the Clinton administration.  In 1994,  at a United Nations conference on AIDS, she was asked whether it would be appropriate to promote masturbation as a means of preventing young people from engaging in riskier forms of sexual activity.  She replied, "I think that it is a part of human sexuality, and perhaps it should be taught." 

Next thing you know, she’s cleaning out her desk.   Apparently, the guy who was was getting sucked off by fatties in the Oval Office didn’t want the leading public health official in the country to tell people the truth.  Classy move, Bill.

Let’s hope the people at University of Arkansas School of Medicine don’t have a problem with pesky things like facts, logic and reason because Ms. Jocelyn is spitting some more hot fire.  (c) Dylan

Writing on alternet.org, she said:

 

The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization and the second largest physician group in the United States. Its 124,000 members are doctors specializing in internal medicine and related subspecialties, including cardiology, neurology, pulmonary disease, oncology and infectious diseases. The College publishes Annals of Internal Medicine, the most widely cited medical specialty journal in the world.

In a landmark position paper released in February, these distinguished physicians are saying what many of us have been arguing for years: Most of our laws have gotten it wrong when it comes to medical marijuana, and it’s time for public policy to get in step with science.

Bravo, Ms. Jocelyn.  If you get out to Cali, look me up.  I think I can definitely do something to help you with your glaucoma.  Or migraines.  Or back problems.  Whatever, let’s just hang out!

 

 

18
Mar

But, Nick. Obama is going to end the war!

By nick.adams 0 Comments
Categories: Iraq War and Politics

 Riiiight (c) Bill Cosby

But what’s disturbing about Obama’s Iraq plan, as well as Hillary Clinton’s, is that both of them have plans that would keep 40,000 to 80,000 troops in Iraq. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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