"Too High to Fail: Cannabis and the New Green Economic Revolution" Blog Post Two

Doug Fine found the farm he'd be researching for the 2011 growing season at a board meeting of a local cannabis trade group called MendoGrown. Its purpose, according to Matt Cohen (the head of MendoGrown), is to bring about capitalism to a legitimized cannabis market. The (for now) nonprofit, share-the-wealth board members and growers believe their model will provide the best, most consistent, and most reliable medicine for patients. MendoGrown has "cousins" in states where medicinal cannabis is also legal. Aaron Bluse (friend and colleague of Cohen) is an independent franchise owner of a publicly traded, multistate cannabis dispensary chain called Altitude Organic Medicine located in Denver, Colorado. Bluse told Fine in an interview, "I'd like my grandkids to know me as a legitimate, honest businessman. American from the ground up."

MendoGrown and Altitude Organic Medicine represent the future for the post-Drug War cannabis market. "When alcohol prohibition ended on December 5, 1933, there were brewers and distillers ready to go the next day," said Cohen. Fine added to Cohen's observation, "One day's bootleggers are the next day's San Francisco Giants billboard sponsors."

Obama Backs Free Syrian Coalition Group in Syria

On Tuesday, December 11, the Obama Administration announced (formally) that it recognizes the leading coalition of Syrian rebels who are fighting Syrian President Bashar Assad's oppressive regime. I am content to know that Obama's position in Syria is similar to my position. Supporting a secular coalition is the most effective move at this point in time without direct intervention. The Free Syrian Army is categorized as a secular group which sounds nice to the American population. The United States government has made it clear that there will be no support for extremist groups who are fighting alongside the Free Syrian coalition in order to topple Assad's struggling regime. Americans know too well the consequence of backing and supporting Al-Qaeda during the Cold War to take down the Russians in Afghanistan. Al-Qaeda "turned" on America and became an enemy of the state soon after the Cold War came to an end. Assad is a part of the Alawites, a branch of Islam, but Sunni's in Syria often denote the Alawite minority in Syria as being non-Muslim. This tension between the majority Sunnis who have been oppressed by Assad's regime has caused an ultimate backlash on the repressive Syrian government. The BIG question in regards to Syria remains the same: who will take over in Syria following Assad's demise? The Obama Administration is hoping for a democratic uprising, but don't keep your fingers crossed because history reflects difficulty in establishing a democratic government in the Middle East even after full-blown revolution (Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia).

Gun Control U.S.

Following the shooting that took place Friday morning at Sandy Hook Elementary, the issue of how to stop unstable individuals from being able to possess guns in the United States is on the minds of millions of Americans. At this point in time, it's too easy for anybody to get a hold of a firearm in the United States. Individuals with extreme mental illness find a way to get their hands on guns. I believe the solution to prevent school shootings is beefing up school security and making it a law to require schools to have one combat-trained employee who carries a firearm. The little extra tax money required in each community for this costly law could prove to be a literal lifesaver. Gun control laws will not stop people who want guns (criminals, mentally-ill individuals) from getting guns. Gun control laws aren't the solution to this issue, but it remains the government's responsibility to protect students at school.

"Too High to Fail: Cannabis and the New Green Economic Revolution" Blog Post One

Albert Einstein said in 1921 in reference to alcohol prohibition, "The prestige of government has undoubtedly been lowered considerably by the prohibition law...for nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law...than passing laws which cannot be enforced. It is an open secret that the dangerous increase of crime in this country is closely connected with this." Einstein and Doug Fine (author of Too High to Fail: Cannabis and the New Green Economic Revolution) are in agreement when discussing prohibition's destructive effects on society. The only difference between Fine and Einstein is the drug of which they are referring to: cannabis. In Chapter One of Too High to Fail, Fine starts off his journey inside the medicinal cannabis industry in Mendocino County, California. Mendocino County is famous for its creation and effective use of its 9.31 program often named the "Zip-Tie Program." Every registered cannabis plant in the county is required to wear a bright yellow anklet--total annual cost for a farmer to be a part of the 9.31 Ordinance Program is about $8,500. This type of regulation is ideal because it helps the government keep track of every bud while adding a new source of governmental income to help raise a county deficit that has been hit hard.

Thirty-three-year-old Matt Cohen considers himself to be a farmer. The plant he grows, however, has been in a longstanding state of illegality in American society since the 1920's and 1930's. Cohen often finds himself dialing 9-1-1 when his farms' laser sensors alert him of movement in his crop. Today, the aboveground and locally legal cannabis cultivators of Mendocino County think of those alarm bells to the police the same way the denizens of Philadelphia treated the peals of the Liberty Bell in 1775. Matt Cohen was as aboveground as the hardware store owner or the vintner next door, and thus was protected from thieves by law enforcement.

Why law enforcement protects growers and users there, but not here?
The battle of finally putting an end to cannabis prohibition comes with internal, domestic struggles. Law enforcement follows local law, but I find it unfair that laws regarding cannabis as a medicine is inconsistent depending on state and county. (Don't get me started on the outdated, uselessness nature in terms of cannabis prohibition of the Controlled Substances Act). Sheriff Allman of Mendocino County admitted to Fine that he'd much rather get a call that involves someone using cannabis than alcohol, let alone cocaine, meth, or prescription drugs. Allman said, "I've never seen a stoned man beat his wife--he generally just plays video games." The implication of Allman's statement backs Fine's reasonable belief that cannabis plays a beneficial role in helping the sick amongst other components, while economically fixing a struggling agricultural county.

Mississippi's Only Abortion Clinic Close to being Shut Down

The Mississippi Legislature signed House Bill 1390 into law in April. The law requires all physicians who perform abortions in abortions clinics to have admitting privileges at a local hospital and must be board certified in gynecology or obstetrics. The clinic has been unable to admit patients in hospitals due to hospital administrators hesitation to be titled as abortion advocates. Twelve hospitals near the clinic have denied hospital privileges to women wishing for abortion. The owners of Mississippi's only abortion clinic are going to fight Mississippi's state law in federal court in the near future. Like Diane Derzis, the clinic's president and owner, I hope the federal judge declares Mississippi's law unconstitutional. In July, a federal judge temporarily blocked the law from going into effect to allow the clinic time to comply with the law in order to avoid the state from imposing penalties against the organization. The law's sponsor in Mississippi's House, Rep. Sam Mims, claims the state's measure wasn't created to eliminate abortion, but that's a lie. The lawmakers properly anticipated that hospitals would deny access to women wishing for abortions, therefore eliminating abortion. "A lot of facilities and hospitals, no doubt, don't want to... be labeled as the one facility that's hospitable to providing abortions," said Mississippi State University Professor Martin Wiseman. Mississippi is often considered to be one of the most conservative, religious states in the U.S. The issue of government, mainly state legislatures, being allowed to make abortion unavailable or illegal is a reoccurring issue across America. Americans need to make it clear to the government that we stand for our individual rights, including the right to abortion. 

Gay Marriage: An Inalienable Right

Ballot measures in Maine and Maryland were passed recently making same-sex marriages recognizable under state law. The vote was close in Maryland: 51.9% of voters approved gay marriage rights. Marriage shouldn't be prohibited by government, no matter who the marriage is between. I don't understand how their are opponents to gay marriage rights; Opponents reflect close-minded, selfish thoughts. It shouldn't be up to voters to decide if gays can marry in a society of inalienable rights including the right to marry. The right should already exist in our society. Discussions have taken place around the U.S. to determine the significance of allowing gays to marry. The significance is clear: the government has no right to prevent and not recognize gay marriages. This is one of those social issues prevalent in America that shouldn't be an issue to any Americans.

Rocky Mountain High: Psychoactivity and Economic Growth

Amendment 64 is huge news for pot users. This newly enacted amendment gives 21 year olds the right to possess up to one ounce and grow six plants; however, public consumption is still illegal. There is talk that the Colorado legislature will enact an excise tax of up to %15 on cannabis, pending Colorado residents’ approval. Soon, former "medicinal" dispensaries will become "public" dispensaries where 21 year olds can go to buy cannabis. This method should remind Americans of the support our #1 cash crop (yes, it is indeed cannabis) can bring to struggling state and federal deficits. 

I want to keep the comparing and contrasting of cannabis with alcohol to a minimum, simply because they are two different goods. Alcohol causes around 80,000 deaths per year while cannabis causes 300. Cannabis grows in the ground and can contribute to our economy without interfering with American society, as too commonly seen by alcohol. 

The implications of American voters in Colorado passing Amendment 64 stand alone. Americans are sick and tired of cannabis prohibition, but I'm sure the cops and the DEA feast with the help of their confiscated goods and assets of pot users. Let's look at the Controlled Substances Act of the U.S., specifically Schedule I. Schedule I drugs are highly dangerous, addictive, and have no medicinal benefit. Man, it's ironic that there is a booming medicinal industry in almost half of the U.S. states and two states fully legalized cannabis, but yet our government, the government of modernity and open-mindedness, refuses to recognize cannabis brings good the world, American citizens, and can potentially turn around our economy by itself. 

I have seen with my own two eyes the entire spectrum of pot users. Some use for medicinal reasons, suffering from multiple sclerosis or the hardships of chemotherapy. Others use for recreational purposes. I admit I have no right to get in the way with medicinal cannabis patients, and the government should do the same and leave patients alone. But I take it a step farther. I also admit I have no right to tell recreational pot users whether they can or can't smoke because there has been enough evidence to prove cannabis has a minimal effect on society and the individual, and on the contrary, can bring the American economy to its feet. 

We can't let cartels or criminal organizations control one of the most significant crop markets in America. We need to legalize, regulate, and reform our laws so that all Americans can be positively affected by cannabis legalization.

Death Penalty

All phases of a death penalty case are designed to assure only guilty defendants are convicted. Every phase besides the execution and the penalty phase trial incorporates sub-phase(s) that are put in place to prevent an innocent defendant from being executed. I believe lethal injection is the only method of execution that isn't considered cruel and unusual, although guilty murderers could die from any way possible without many American citizens caring if they die as a result of a cruel and unusual method. Hanging, firing squad, electrocution, and gas aren't guaranteed to result in instant death, which then provokes the idea of cruel and unusual punishment.

The majority of death penalty executions have taken place in Texas. It's difficult to suggest Texas overuses their death penalty statute due to Texas' immense population. Their concealed weapon laws also place them in another category that interferes with the legitimacy of the high murder rate. California has one of the largest state populations in the U.S. with 704 people on death row, but only 13 people have been executed in California. At first glance, northern states currently ban the death penalty more than southern states including Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and New York. Males have historically been executed at a higher rate than females. I believe this is simply because there are fewer women murderers, not because women are unfairly able to avoid death penalty sentences.

The Illinois Capital Murder Statute appears to be fair. However, after reviewing the state by state data, Illinois executed 348 individuals preceding 1976 which probably implies innocent defendants have been put to death because of the absence of DNA evidence in those cases. Illinois abandoned their capital murder statute because of several reasons; the main reason is the large number of innocent defendants (20) since 1973 who were found guilty, but then later found to be innocent.

After looking over the data, The Death Penalty Information Center puts forth evidence that shows an anti-death penalty bias. The DPIC shows racial fluctuation amongst victims and defendants. The odds of a death penalty sentence were 97% higher for those whose victim was white than for those whose victim was black. Interracial murders bring forth questions of foul play by the judicial system, but nobody can actually prove that this is indeed racism instead of a higher number of blacks killing whites and therefore, more executions of black defendants. Innocence isn't a reason to ban the death penalty. In any judicial system, no matter the crime, there is an unpredictable percentage of defendants being found guilty on trial, but later being found innocent. Though the DPIC shows 141 exonerations since 1973, there are probably a lot more exonerations for non-capital crimes. Another statistic thrown our way is that California has spent $4 billion on death penalty cases since 1978. This statistic has no weight because of the huge amount of money spent by the government in other trials that aren't capital crimes. Tax dollars have to be spent in some way; I don't mind if $4 billion has been spent on enforcing a reasonable statute (the death penalty) for over 30 years because that simply means the government is doing its job.

NBC Obtains English Premier League Soccer Rights

The National Broadcasting Company (better known as NBC) will televise the English Premier League's matchups starting next year. The deal is a 3-year, $250 million dollar agreement between the EPL and NBC. Soccer's popularity has grown exponentially in the U.S., and NBC chairman, Mark Lazarus, predicts the Premier League is "on the cusp of exponential popularity growth here in the U.S." If Lazarus is correct on his prediction, NBC struck a perfect deal that could rake in big-buck advertisements. There are going to be six live games televised each week on NBC following the opening of the EPL's next season. Soccer experts around the world believe the EPL is the most talented and most profitable soccer league in the world; Only time will tell whether or not NBC will capitalize on their newly acquired assets.

A More Democratic Libya

One year after Gadhafi's death, Libyans are making governmental headway. Successful democratic elections were held months ago in July, following registration by 1.8 million Libyans. Organizations are popping up across the nation including women's rights groups, as well as environmental groups. Libya's new policy requiring political parties to alternate male and female candidates on ballots will further advance Libya towards becoming an open, democratic society where women play an equal role to men. Libyans went from being barred by Gadhafi's network to discussing new governmental policy in a matter of months. It's a motivating sign to other people around the world who are experiencing the downfall of oppressive dictatorial regimes. Armed militias control some parts of Libya, but if the Libyan people continue to work together to overcome challenges, jihadist military groups will eventually meet a tough opposition when a constitution is drafted by newly elected Libyan officials. 

Trickledown Economics

It's a simple agenda for the wealthy politicians who most likely took office to meet their short list of priorities including and most importantly to preserve their own wealth. It's their selfish way to justify low taxes for the wealthy or themselves (whatever floats your boat). Trickledown economics is almost as unsuccessful as the War on Drugs. Failing government policy surrounds, encages, and ultimately holds back America from ever breaking free from the grasp of the Great Recession that was caused by unregulated banks free to loan as they wished to unqualified persons for the banks' benefit. Banks and people unaware that they are in no position to take out a juicy loan (or two), as well as selfish politicians who decipher the tax codes as they wish and pay taxes at a rate lower than my dog, are the reason America is becoming less and less prevalent on the global economic scale. Move to China? I'd side with that statement if only there was one place in the world where ideas flow free AND the economy's potential is as strong as the values of politicians.

Child Soldiers Break the Rules of War

Invisible Children isn't the only organization dedicated to ending the abuse amongst an estimated 300,000 child soldiers, mostly in Africa, involved in conflicts around the world. UNICEF is active today in removing children from militia and rebel groups. The idea of innocence is one that remains strong in Western civilizations, but third-world nations have evil men who manipulate and terrorize entire villages with the goal of forcing children to join them in their fight. Ishmael Beah was rescued by UNICEF years ago as a child soldier fighting for the rebel group Revolutionary United Front (RUF). He's an example of the substantial change the West can bring to lands where rebel groups roam with evil intentions. The issue isn't "how?," but rather "why?" Why isn't the United Nations using force to destroy rebel groups and why are we waiting to take down Joseph Kony and others like him? Ignorance isn't an excuse. It's our responsibility as human beings to provide support to children across the world, especially those active in dangerous rebel groups engaged in combat everyday.

I Don't Eat the Food in the Cafeteria

It's a reoccuring issue, day after day I grind out the day without eating lunch at high school. A reasonable person would hope for a nutritious and tasty lunch, but at Deerfield High School the "Caf" food isn't nutritious, nor is it tasty. Before you presume that I am spoiled for complaining about food when there are people in the world who are unable to receive proper nutrition or obtain food, you must first taste the PB&J. If I have the option of eating, I would greatly appreciate a reasonable selection of food. You know your cafeteria is awful when they can't even make a solid PB&J. What kind of person can't make a solid PB&J? I'll tell you: a person not qualified to make food. First Lady, Michelle Obama, encourages healthy and filling lunches across the nation, but the fried goods in the cafeteria only fulfill the "filling" category. Only eat the bagged goods, that is my suggestion when rummaging through the DHS cafeteria. Sodexo may respond to my criticism by suggesting that the apples in the cafe are healthy. Would it kill Sodexo to grill instead of fry? I want tasty, nutritious food in the cafeteria and I want it now.

Alcohol Enemas Lead to Suspended Frat... Time to Change Alcohol/Drug Education for Minors

An incident at the University of Tennessee involving a Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and alcohol enemas (never a good combination) led to a student's hospitalization as a result of his five times the legal limit blood alcohol level. CNN's article touches on the true issue of over-indulgence, "According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die each year from alcohol-related unintentional injuries." Although the usage of enemas as a means of delivery for alcohol isn't a widespread phenomenon according to Aaron White, an administrator of the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the root of the problem is education. Binge drinking is America's way of reflecting ignorance and immaturity to the rest of the world, and yes, binge drinking is the direct result of outdated, unreasonable drinking laws such as the Zero Tolerance law. If you compare alcohol related incidents in any European country (where the drinking laws are either nonexistent or extremely liberal) with U.S. drinking incidents, you'll notice the difference. When one of the Lake County 19th District Court Judges stopped by DHS to patronize half of DHS' population, it was clear that there is a clear gap between teenagers desires to have a good time and the law. I am trying to describe reality without incriminating my peers and me. Why can my parents enjoy a glass of wine, but the law says I can't enjoy that same exact wine? Age isn't the problem when it comes to drinking. Developmental age is the true problem. I know that I am more responsible than the 78 adults (all of whom were much older than 21) I saw get arrested for DUI in one night in Scottsdale, AZ on one of National Geographic's alcohol documentaries. Alcohol will remain a part of America's society for the rest of its existence, so we must adjust our laws to demonstrate the importance of understanding the overwhelming effect alcohol has on mind alteration. I have a suggestion for District 113's administration: in eighth grade a recovering cocaine addict influenced me more than any other "Say no to drugs" educator including the patronizing judge who stated laws and consequences. He told me the "say no to drugs" doesn't work (obviously). He then went on to say one simple, but immensely significant thing, "Care about your life." This was the most powerful thing anyone has ever said to me, especially when it comes from the addict who was the only one of the 80 addicts in his halfway house to get clean. It is speakers like the recovering cocaine addict who influence and educate in the best manner. 

Final FIRE Thoughts

I understand where FIRE is coming from in terms of protecting individual rights, however, it is essential in any place of higher education for students to behave and speak in a way that reflects higher education. Any racist individual isn't a person of a higher education, therefore, universities should have the right to ensure behavior that demonstrates higher, open-minded education. The codes created by universities limit abusrd, racist, stereotypical viewpoints, but who cares. There is no place for discrimination in a place where prestigious degrees are earned.

UW-Madison Speech Codes

Madison's speech codes are categorized in the "red" category in FIRE's database. I believe speech codes are fair and necessary for a campus to run smoothly without discrimination being an issue. As a prospective student, I am proud of Madison's speech codes that limit students from acting in a discriminatory manner. Whether or not the speech codes interfere with the First Amendment isn't of my concern because I truly believe in Madison's speech codes' goal of preventing discrimination. Based on Madison's codes, it is fair to assume that its administrators would be offended by discriminatory behavior such as that of the students in the previous slideshow. I would most likely side with the administration's reaction to any discriminatory behavior that conflicts with its enforced speech codes.

Acceptable Behavior on Campus

The actions of these students who spray-painted themselves black is unacceptable. It's completely uncalled for and should be banned on college campuses not only because it is disgusting behavior, but also black fraternities could potentially retaliate on the ignorant frat boys who are dumb enough to behave and offend an entire population of human beings.

Anti-Islam Video: Ignorant Creation and Ignorant Response

Nakoula Basseley Nakoula must hate America as much as he hates Islam. His anti-Islam video bashes Islam's principles and portrays Islam in a dark, dark light. If Nakoula ends up being the proven creator of the video, it is fair to say that his motive for creating the video wasn't to "enlighten" the rest of the world regarding his completely absurd view on Islam. His motive was retaliation towards America. He knew, or at the least hoped, that publishing the video would result in violence targeting Americans around the world like it has so far. Nakoula was imprisoned in California for fraud in recent years. Was this his shot at hurting America the way America hurt him? As evil and naive as he maybe, Islam is similar to most religions in the sense that based on interpretation, peace is the goal. Some moron in California who despises Islam is just as evil as Islamic fundamentalists who despise Western civilization including America. 

Chicago Teacher Strike

350,000 students in Chicago remain affected by the Chicago Teachers Union Strike. School officials blame teachers for preventing students from learning by continuing to strike for nearly six consecutive days. However, there must be policies and contractual disagreements that teachers clearly have the right to strike in order to bring about change. The majority of Chicago teachers are immensely underpaid relative to the amount of time and resources they contribute to Chicago students. Whether or not Mayor Emanuel's "bullying behavior toward public school officials" is indicative of foul play amongst government officials remains insignificant. What's most significant is that the students return to school where teachers feel respected and fairly compensated for their work.

Oil Prices

Nobody in America can deny: we over pay at the pump more recently than ever. Prices jumped nearly 10% in August, forcing Americans to dig down farther into their wallets in order to get around. Don't let the government or oil companies fool you... They are out to get your money and increase oil futures in process. Sanctions imposed on oil-rich nations by our government affect every hard-working American. Gulf Coast refineries should be up and running in no time which should help ease the pain at the pump. In 2008, high oil prices were the talk of the town, but after the market collapsed, Americans were once again able to purchase gas at a reasonable price. Hopefully, gas prices can plummet soon without a national finance crisis to help force the decrease.

Allegiance

Do I really have to pledge my allegiance everyday to the U.S.? My only allegiance to a nation would be the one I was born in and live in currently. Is it a matter of making sure I don't become a traitor? Sort of like a communist spy for Russia or something along those lines. The Pledge of Allegiance is old-school. It may have appealed to my grandma's generation as a means of building America's self-esteem, but at this point in time there is no reason to force a young generation of open-minded students into a communist-type routine such as the Pledge of Allegiance. National unity is the key to any nation's success, but the Pledge isn't the correct way to unite individuals. Everyone has their own opinion of "god" and god seems to be the topic of disagreement when discussing the Pledge, so the American government has no reason to assume that the Pledge is the best way to unify Americans of different religions, ethnicities, etc. A court decision from 1940, such as Minersville School District v. Gobitis, shouldn't be the precedent of which modern Americans base their opinions of the Pledge of Allegiance on. The precedent can't be based on a decision that took place during WWII (before America entered into the war) and that resulted in violence across the nation following the decision. The Pledge gave some Americans too strong of feelings for their country. "Pledging" Americans were willing to target a group who refused to recognize the American flag. The Pledge creates strong feelings of nationalism that can influence individuals to persecute others so therefore, it should no longer be a part of American society.

The One Good Thing about the First Day

Most students fear returning back to school after summer, but I embrace the return. The first day of school is important because it marks the beginning of another great fantasy football season with my friends. Fantasy football is my key to happiness during the school year for a while. The NFL's opening day creates a new level of excitement and competitiveness amongst my fantasy football league. Sunday's are no longer a dreadful day of homework; In fact, Sunday is now the best day of the week thanks to the freakishly athletic professional football players who keep us on the edge of our seats for an entire season. Hopefully, it's my year to win fantasy football. Anything other than 1st place is a disappointment.