Random thoughts and musings
So many things happening around the state, and so very fast. I often frame it as a juggling act but more and more it is feeling like running just as fast as I can while rocks and boulders come raining down behind me. I’m hearing it over and over in conversations with activists in other states—Michigan is years ahead of how things evolved over time in other states that protect medical marijuana patients.
Brad & I spent last weekend in Los Angeles, meeting with Oaksterdam officials, hob-nobbin’ with the stars. Brad says he saw Dolly Parton but I’m skeptical. I know that we did meet Ed Rosenthal—I got the pictures.
My good friend Ed—who likes me more than he likes Brad—will be teaching Horticulture 102 during the next OU-MI session, Labor Day weekend. More here: http://www.oaksterdamuniversity.com/michigan.html
For those who missed the story the Site Scribe posted (http://www.michiganmedicalmarijuana.org/node/5726) community member Steve Allain is getting the shaft and needs our support. Steve is a registered patient and has been meticulous about staying legal. He is also eligible for a Section 8 HUD housing voucher. So he approached the Niles Housing Commission, disclosed his status and his intent to grow his own medicine, asked would that be OK? http://www.michiganmedicalmarijuana.org/node/5726
Steve never did get an answer. But he did somehow come to the attention of a reporter from the South Haven Tribune who did a story about him. An eviction notice soon followed. It cites a clause in the lease prohibiting criminal drug activity. Which there was none of. I’ve met Steve. He’s a quiet, well spoken, self-controlled man. I’d be delighted to have him as a neighbor.
I have spoken with the MI-ACLU and MSHDA (state agency w/ jurisdiction). Both declined to get involved at this time. Have sent letters to Senator’s Levin & Stabenow and US Representative Upton asking them to intercede. Have sent inquiries to organizers in other states that protect medical marijuana patients.
Steve could really use our support right now. Letters to Levin & Stabenow would be one tangible way to show that support if you’re able. Representative Upton, too, if you live in his district. I’m sure Steve would also appreciate a large turn out for his upcoming hearing (location, date & time will be posted to our calendar) . He can’t afford an attorney and so far has come up empty trying to find someone to represent him pro bono. So I know he’d appreciate any help in that department. He may be contacted at: sweetm2cyclone@gmail.com
On the topic of court hearings and the calendar—we’ve posted a few and we want to post more. So send if you know about an upcoming hearing or court appearance please pass the info along to us so that we can get it on our calendar. It makes all the difference in the world when you’ sitting in court with a gallery of supporters sitting behind you. A particular tip-o-da-toque to Victor who continues to travel all over the state supporting our members. I imagine his MMMA t-shirt is starting to fade by now so a new one is in the mail.
Plans for the Michigan Medical Marijuana Expo 2009, August 8 & 9, continue to move along nicely. One of the many attractions at the Expo will be a used equipment sale. Bring your excess gear in and let the Expo sell it for you. Or swing by and pick up that last piece of equipment you need to complete your set-up. They still need a few more volunteers—a 2 hour commitment gets you free admission, a t-shirt and access to the special staff lounge. To get on the volunteer list contact Mike at: mimedmi@gmail.com.
Event will take place at the Burst Center, 2520 22nd St, Detroit, which is easily accessible and quite secure. Hotel details will follow soon—sorry we are unable to accommodate on-site camping. Vendor inquiries to: hdulany@gencooliveoilllc.com
Hopefully everyone who joined before June1st has a MMMA membership card in hand by now. If not, let me know. I’m starting to pull together the data for the next run—we have close to 100 new members this month. And if you’re not already a member, please consider joining us. Our strength is in our numbers. Our unity is our power.
http://www.michiganmedicalmarijuana.org/node/91
The Michigan Legislature is on vacation for the first two weeks of July. Once they return we will continue making office visits, introducing ourselves, trying to identify our allies and our opponents, planting seeds. There Kuipers’ bills are not scheduled for a hearing at this time—we’ll continue to closely monitor them and report here if there is any movement. I’m hoping there will be hearings, btw—for various reasons I believe they would do us far more good than harm.
When I say “planting seeds” I’m talking about getting them thinking about some manner of reasonably regulated distribution system to ensure safe, reliable & affordable access to the medicine. Patients win, nervous mothers win, communities win, politicians win. About the only ones who don’t win are the professional prohibitionists.
On a local level, a small group is working on writing a model ordinance that local units of government may adopt to enable cooperatives to operate under an umbrella of legality. Once that’s ready, we’ll start shopping it around. Several communities have already expressed quite a bit of interest in leading the way with organized cooperatives operating out of storefront locations.
I’ll wrap this up for now. Fact is though, this is just a small sample of all that is going on around the state. Thanks to everyone of you for all you do to support and build our community. Together we can never be broken or go backwards again. Please consider becoming a card carrying member of the MMMA at: http://www.michiganmedicalmarijuana.org/node/91
- Greg Francisco's blog
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And, ditto that musing!
All this hearing about hearings reminds me of my ponderings upon government hearings whenever a new session is opened:
I wonder, Greg, why does the government open and close with prayers expressed in the "name" and "spirit" of and to their creator/savior/god/jesus, but totally disregard anything we're expected to believe their supreme "deity" supposedly spoke about in "the bible"?
Such as: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Thou shalt not kill.
Blessed are the Peacemakers.
Etc., etc., etc. . .
Hear's a random example:
No. 2
STATE OF MICHIGAN
JOURNAL
OF THE
House of Representatives
94th Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2007
Rep. Frank Accavitti, Jr., from the 42nd District, offered the following invocation:
“Creator God, as we begin this 94th legislative session, we thank You for the opportunity to serve You and the people of Michigan. Guide us as we work together and enlighten us as to the needs of those we represent. Give us the wisdom to view all the issues that come before us in a fair, compassionate, and unbiased manner. May the legislation passed in this chamber reflect our personal commitment to the people of this state, a state that You have so wondrously blessed. We ask for Your continued guidance as we seek a more prosperous future for all. Amen.”
Here's another example:
No. 23
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
94th Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2008
Senator Irma Clark-Coleman of the 3rd District offered the following invocation:
"Our Father God, our Mother God, our everything God, we worship You because You are the one and only true God. You are the giver of life and the lover of our souls. We acknowledge our challenge to exhibit the fruits of love: joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, and meekness. We ask that You strengthen us to develop a character that reflects Your nature. We thank You for blessing us to represent the political interests of Your people. We thank You for selecting us to stand in the gap for all Michiganians, some of whom have never traveled to our state capitol. We thank You for giving us the wherewithal to strive for the uplifting of the common man. Help us to consider the least of our citizens. Please give us the determination to work for the greater good and not for personal gain.
Help us show mercy as we have received it from You.
In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen."
The President, Lieutenant Governor Cherry, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
and another:
No. 54
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
95th Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2009
Reverend A. Richard Doss of the Mask Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church of Lansing offered the following invocation:
"Eternal God, we gather, this morning to give You thanks—thanks for Your grace and for Your mercy. We petition You, O Lord, because as we gather we gather in the midst of some very difficult times in our state with Michiganders finding hard times and rough choices that they must make. Lord, we ask Your blessings and guidance as we see our way through this period of time and work our way in looking forward to better times.
Lord, we thank You for the men and the women in these chambers as they debate, as they view, as they see their way toward things that will help us make it to better times. There are hard choices that have to be made. But, yet, Lord, there are some things that we have to continue to look forward to and those things we have to prioritize as we look forward to our state turning around and once again rising to its bright potential. We thank You, Lord, for the gift of freedom today as we celebrate Juneteenth, as we remember that freedom isn’t free. (Say What!? - oh, how could we forget that . . . it's the land of the fee?!)
We thank You, Lord, for the men and women who represent our state in uniform, especially those who are in harm’s way. We ask Your blessings on them and on their families.
And now, Lord, guide and direct us in these times in the name of Jesus. Amen."
The President, Lieutenant Governor Cherry, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Here's a fine example:
Senator Roger Kahn, M.D., of the 32nd District offered the following invocation:
"Blessed are You, Lord our God. Thank You for the gift of life that we may all be here this day. Thank You for Michigan, for creating such a glorious beauty in this world, and thank You for giving us the ability to appreciate it.
As we begin another year anew, we ask for Your many blessings in our lives. We pray that You give us the strength and the wisdom to endure the challenges that we are sure to face. Give us ears to hear what You say; grant us the heart to obey. Let us run with perseverance the race that You mark out for us.
Last year was a year of challenge and so, too, will be the road ahead. But the coming year can also afford us the opportunity to serve; serve the people of Michigan and to serve You. We will strive to create sound public policy crafted with the warmth of our hearts, and we will strive to do so together as brothers and sisters in Your eyes.
May it be Your will, our God, that You renew for us a good and sweet year. Amen."
The President, Lieutenant Governor Cherry, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of Michigan.
and one more perfectly suitable example:
(Please, pay very close attention to what happens in session - I have included the context for pointed effect.)
No. 47
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
95th Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2009
Father Rolando Silva of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church of Lake City and St. Theresa’s Parish of Manton offered the following invocation:
"Dear sisters and brothers, as we prepare to invoke the name of God on our own behalf by praying the words He gives us in the 34th Psalm:
“I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad. Glorify the LORD with me, and let us together extol his name. I sought the LORD and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame.”
Blessed are You, Lord, God of all creation, who by Your goodness will that people have a share in Your providential command over all things on earth. We pray for those with authority in the civil order over Your people: Barack Obama, the President of the United States of America; Jennifer Granholm, the Governor of Michigan; and John Cherry, the President of this body. May they be enabled by Your gracious strength to discharge their duties with honesty, true justice, and excellent skill for the good of all people wherever and in whatsoever condition they may be in.
We pray for the members and staff at work in this senatorial chamber of the State Legislature. Grant, we beseech You, that what they do this day begin with Your inspiration, continue with Your grace, and reach perfection under Your guidance. May their proceedings this day not cause their faces to blush with shame, but rather, to radiate with a share of Your joy that is worthy of the share in Your authority with which You entrusted them through the voice of Your people in this state.
Through Christ Your Son, we extol Your name and give glory to You, who is Lord forever and ever. Amen."
The President pro tempore, Senator Richardville, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Sanborn, assumed the Chair.
Motions and Communications
Senators Van Woerkom, Kahn and Brown entered the Senate Chamber.
Senator Anderson moved that Senators Gleason and Clarke be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Anderson moved that Senator Thomas be excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
(Then, listen very carefully to the words expressed about "the people's assests" And, be warned, the amount is STAGGERING!)
The following communication was received:
Department of Community Health
May 20, 2009
In accordance with MCL 333.7524a, I am pleased to present to the Michigan Legislature the 17th comprehensive report on asset forfeiture. Michigan’s asset forfeiture program saves taxpayer money and deprives drug criminals of cash and property obtained through illegal activity. Michigan’s law enforcement community has done an outstanding job of stripping drug dealers of illicit gain and utilizing these proceeds to expand and enhance drug enforcement efforts to protect our citizens. (Here, I can't help but be reminded of Derek)
During 2008, over $25.3 million in cash and assets amassed by drug traffickers was forfeited and placed into the fight against drugs through the use of state and federal forfeiture laws. Extensive multi-agency teamwork (we all know who they are!) is evident in this report. Considerable assets were obtained as the result of joint enforcement involving several agencies at the federal, state and local levels.
Forfeiture funds were used to further enforce drug laws by providing resources for drug enforcement personnel, needed equipment, undercover informant and investigative costs, and matching funds to obtain federal grants. Some of the forfeited assets were also used for drug and gang prevention education programs.
I commend our law enforcement community for the tremendous job they have done and submit this report for your information
and review.
Sincerely,
Deborah J. Hollis, Acting Director
Office of Drug Control Policy
The communication was referred to the Secretary for record."
*********************
Can you say: "Separation of Church and State"? : /
*********************
May our good "People's Servants" remember and pray to practice what is preached!
Such as:
Genesis 1:11
or
Revelation 22:2
Or dozens of others.
A quick search of relative things just now revealed this enlightening web site; I found it, well . . . rather medicating. ; )
http://www.equalrights4all.org/religious/bible.htm
Thanks, Greg (and, Brad, and every other comassionate one) for your time and place on earth during our communal time of healing.
Y'all rock!
Roll on!
Always keep informed, and share the information!
Peace & Blessings to All
And may the Healing Spirits of Love, Peace and Endless Blessings be with us All. (Particularly in the Michigan/US legislature!) ; }
Oh, I almost forgot:
("pothead" that I am, ya know? : )
"Amen!"
added foot note:
the following is an interesting source on the separation of church and state, if you're interested.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_church_and_state
I still think we should
I still think we should prefer having our own legislation to be floating through Lansing. Having hearings on our own legislation instead of even giving Kuipers the time of day on his atrocious bill. It is that same old tactic in that it is much easier to fight FOR something than it is to fight AGAINST something. No need to come from the negative when we can fight this from the positive.
But that's just me.
I think collectives are fine. Patient collectives. But i definitely do not like ANY legislation that says a patient has to give up their RIGHTS to the collective. Collectives should be separate and above and beyond. :-)
Why I woud like hearings on the Kuiper's bills
I am hoping that there will be hearings on the Kuipers package of bills. That doesn't mean that I am hoping that they pass.
Hearings would be good because they keep the discussion alive and in the public's mind.
Hearings would be good because they would give us an opportunity to present our own perspectives & proposals.
Hearings would be good because they would give us as a community something to rally around.
Hearings would be good because the political reality is Kuipers' bills simply cannot muster the required 3/4 vote of both the House & Senate anyway. Or at least the odds are very, very long. Holding hearings on bills that are going nowhere anyway benefits us, not our opponents.
This is no different than being charged w/ a crime you didn't commit. You'd want a hearing so that you could debunk and speak back in your own defense. Hoping for a hearing in that circumstance would in no way be regarded as being anxious to get shafted.
To clarify, when I say, "I’m hoping there will be hearings, btw—for various reasons I believe they would do us far more good than harm." I'm referring to hearings on the bills, not the actual bills themselves. Obviously the bills themselves are poison.
Where do
you see any support on Kiepers Bills in Gregs blog? The MMMA has spoken for dispensaries since their inception, Kiepers Bills have nothing to do with the dispensaries or co-ops Greg is talking about.
wait.... now all of a sudden
wait....
now all of a sudden there is support for Kuipers’ bills ???????
isn't this that greenhouse person ? the one that wants to not let us grow for ourselves ?
we had post's here for weeks against it.
That's not what he was saying
He specifically said they are watching Kuipers bills and by inference he is saying the MMMA opposes them. (That is if you have read any of the other posts here on the matter)
Greg can you expand upon what you want to accheive in this arena? It might help to explain it further so as to clear up any confusion.
I'll splain it to ya...
The MMMA opposes Sen. Kuipers legislation because it centralizes the production and distribution of cannabis. This will only help the rich get richer and eliminate the opportunity for mom and pop micro-cultivators to make a decent living. Also, because this legislation will only benefit friends of it's sponsors, money will be drained from each and every community in Michigan and funneled directly to the "friends of Kuipers".
We are supporting the non-profit collective model. The appeal to us is simple, Jobs, Jobs, Jobs! A collective is a membership-based organization where patients and caregivers can assign their rights to the collective. Caregivers can donate their entire crop, and still receive compensation. Patients will be able to inspect, sample, and purchase the cannabis that best fits their price and medicinal needs.
Additionally, member caregivers in Clio will be servicing patients in Clio. This will keep dollars within the community instead of sending them to Kuiper's rich friends. Local ordinances need to be passed to allow collectives to function, and taxes will be generated for local municipalities with tax provisions included in ordinances. Collectives will also buy or build new buildings for their business that will help generate revenue locally through property taxes.
Bottom line is, the MMMA advocates safe, reliabe, and affordable access to information and medicine. The collective model creates local jobs for local people. The Kuiper's model rewards millionaires who don't give a damn about patients or marijuana. Right now, Kuiper's and the MMMA are a universe apart. I hope this helps explain our position.
thanks for the clairification
thanks for the clairification
you wrote that very well
he jsut wanted to tell you I thought that was good. Local ordinances all the way, lets be taxed, and tell waynes buddies to suck it. I really would love to talk to ol waynie. Iam sure he would seem genuinely nice as he was taking money out of me. It is sad that he wants to just assist his rich ass friends. That is what is wrong with R team, they just care about money and not human beings. But then make it seem or rather try to make it seem like they are doing it to make it better for you, the suffering one. hey wayne or his cronies I sure am wishing yo are reading this. Cuz gues what waynes guys, you will not control the distribution issue. Bite it, the medical marijuana community is gonna grow and assist those within our community without your rules and regulations that take the control out of the hands of the ones who this law was created to assist. the legal medical marijuana users, the And the worst of all in this story is wayne and his legal drug dealing buds were against in the beginning and most likely talked shit about the law last year leading to the vote. Fuck them ideas. Hear that wayne folks. No way, no how. not gonna occur. no one is taking away med mj users rights, NO one. No matter how well intention wayne may try to seem with his ideas. Sorry wayne, we are smart, we have degrees, we have education, and ultimetely we are the ones already in the drivers seat. sorry wayne, but that is the way it is. hurts doesnt it. haha
Thank you Greg and all who have shown their support
Thank you Greg for taking time out of your extremely busy schedule (especially so close to the 4th) to focus on what is going on in the City of Niles. I am humbled and grateful by the outpouring of support by both members and non-members for both others and myself who proceeded me in these fights. We are all in times of extreme stress as we deal with our health and family issues, old mind-sets that are gradually and painfully (at times) shifting and the economic upheaval that has depleted our resources. If it were not for the support (and even a kind word counts immensely) of the people I have come to call friends of the cause I and others in my position would be virtually left out in the cold. It is reassuring to see that compassion and love are not just words with hollow meaning to be thrown about recklessly but retain their true meaning here.
May God bless you and yours,
*If you are not a believer please take no offense I pray you brother and sister, are blessed as well as you are loved as much as any.
Peace,
Steve A.
OBTW Greg that is South BEND (not Haven) Tribune. But hey I forget why I go into rooms sometimes so I can’t yell at ya.
Hey Greg!
Kinda remember, a bit vaguely, you hung out here. LoL!
Thanks for the update and all the good works you and Brad do.
Taj
We know who Brad is . . .
After all, me thinks his john henry is scribbled on our cards; But . . . who's this Greg guy you people keep talkin' about? : ]
; )
: )
You guys rock!
Roll on!
I was
in the first batch turned in on the 6th, Greg turned it in for me because I couldn't make it to bus ride. Birth date 4/20 Issue date 4/20 gotta love it lol. i am my own caregiver. I have an attorney that has been in contact with Matt Abel quite regularly
We will be there!!
Branch County Court House Coldwater Mi. My motion to dismiss via AD will be heard in front of Hon P. William O'Grady. 8am.
Thanx for the advance notice, Helpsmypain. Do you have your card or just the qualifying patient Certification? Are you being represented by council or presenting this your self? VV
Good job greg
You do a wonderful job with MMMA. Stay at it, we are close to getting what we want with collectives, I think at least. And by the way, I like you more than brad too. haha
HEY....
I was mad for a second when I first read your post but then I realized, Greg needs fans too.
hehehehe
I was jokin brad
hey, no offense. I saw greg write that ed liked him more. so i was just being funny. I like you too. You both do an awesome job. haha, but really though, you both are extremely good at what you are doing. You have made MMMA the formost authority when regarding medical marijuana issues, You both are cool in my book take care.
Monday Jul 27
Branch County Court House Coldwater Mi. My motion to dismiss via AD will be heard in front of Hon P. William O'Grady. 8am. 11 plants in enclosed locked 7ft privacy fence, not visible to anyone (behind my house blocked off view by shed to the only neighbor I have). I was narced out by 2 young men who got caught dealing and for burglaries and were told their charges would be dropped if they turned in 3 drug dealers ( I am not a dealer I have grown for MYSELF only for a while now) . They knew because they broke into my house the year before and stole plants from my grow room, along with other items. I know this ( the break in) from eye witnesses to the break in and from them bragging to an unbeknown st to them a mutual friend. I couldn't involve Leo because of the marihuana being illegal at the time of the original B&E.
Awesome
Great job as usual and thank you for the update.
Thanks for the update Greg
Thanks for the update Greg and putting in a plug for our brother Steve.He's really getting the shaft and needs all our help.He did a great story and has been with us from the start. He's paving a way for all of us on this one so send those letters out and lets see if we can help.