Jump to content

Slew Of Marijuana Bills On Mi Senate Calendar 8/15/12


Recommended Posts

  • Replies 100
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Hopefully, this may shine some light on the position I am presenting.

 

ROJS News

Covering Michigan & National Politics, Job Search, Careers and Unemployment Advocacy from a "SANITY" based Independent-Left Point of View. Leaving the political "Battles of the Extremes" elsewhere!

Kent County Prosecutor Forsyth Playing Partisan Politics With Bolger/Schmidt Election Fraud Case ROJS News: Op/Ed

 

 

Michigan Republican Speaker of the House Jase Bolger has captured headlines once again. As if <a href="http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/06/house_democrat_women_lawmakers.html" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(17, 85, 204); " target="_blank">censoring two female legislators for saying 'vagina' and 'vasectomy' isn't enough attention for Mr. Bolger, then maybe committing a little election fraud is.

Bolger+Schmidt.jpg Photo Credit: Mlive

In late July, Kent County Prosecutor William Forsyth released his findings in the investigation of Speaker Bolger and Rep. Roy Schmidt election rigging scheme that took place back in May 2012. In May, Rep. Roy Schmidt decided to switch parties from Democrat to Republican just minutes before the filing deadline. It was also found that, Schmidt conspired with Speaker Bolger to find a 'straw man' to run as a fake democrat against Schmidt, thus guaranteeing Schmidt to win the election and retain his seat, only this time as a republican. The fake democrat, Matt Mojzak a 22 year old retail clerk was offered $450 to file as a democrat and was told that he would not have to campaign or raise money. Mojzak, who did not reside in Schmidt's district swore in his affidavit that he was living in a home in Schmidt's district. Phil Browne, a top staffer to Speaker Bolger delivered the papers needed to file, to the Kent County clerk. Mojzak then withdrew his 'candidacy' when media go wind that he did not actually live in the district he was running in. This then raised red flags about what was going on in Michigan's 76th district which then prompted a investigation.

 

Kent County Prosecutor William Forsyth issued the following statement in his report: "The Michigan Secretary of State, however, is the agency primarily responsible for enforcement of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act. As such, I have forwarded the investigative reports and my findings to the Secretary of State to determine what, if any, violations occurred and what, if any, sanctions should be imposed. "In conclusion, I would strongly encourage the Michigan Legislature to address this type of situation. As a Republican elected official, I am embarrassed and offended by what transpired. At a minimum, the Legislature should put a time limit on when a candidate may "switch" parties prior to the filing deadline. Allowing a candidate to "recruit" a so-called opponent and to allow the last minute shenanigans that occurred in this case is a travesty and should not be permitted."

forsyth.jpg Photo Credit: WOODTV 8

Prosecutor Forsyth concluded that no criminal law was violated and therefore he could not press charges. But the story doesn't end there. Just today it was reveled that Mr. Forsyth called off the investigation that the Michigan State Police were conducting into this matter. There had been a possibility of bringing conspiracy to commit perjury charges against Speaker Bolger and Rep. Roy Schmidt for their recruitment efforts to place a fake democrat on the ballot. Forsyth stated that it would take too long and be difficult to prosecute this type of case, explaining why he ordered the Michigan State Police to stop their investigation. MSP Detectives believed that further investigation could have led to perjury conspiracy charges being brought forth. Instead the investigation has been forwarded over to GOP Secretary of State, Ruth Johnson's office for review to see if any campaign finance laws have been violated. Calls for Bolger's resignation were rejected after Bolger cited he "got caught up in political gamesmanship"

 

Something certainly doesn't smell right with this. We have all GOP players involved and search warrants were pending when GOP Prosecutor Forsyth conveniently timed the release of his report. Not only that, when the Michigan State police investigation starts pointing to perjury conspiracy charges, the GOP prosecutor shuts down their investigation. The only form of recourse now is trusting that GOP SOS Ruth Johnson's office does their job and charges Bolger and Schmidt with violations of campaign finance law.

And if you live in Michigan like me and have seen the direct circumventing of the law over the past 18+ months, you already know this 'investigation' is going to be a sham.

 

In the meantime, every Prosecuting Attorney in the State of Michigan is up for election/re-election this year. Please keep this information in mind when going to the polls in November. Until then, I urge you to contact Kent County Prosecutor William Forsyth's Office and demand that he do his job no matter how long or difficult it may be and bring charges against Speaker Bolger and Rep. Roy Schmidt. If he feels that doing his job is too difficult or pressing charges takes too long then maybe he doesn't belong in that position.

 

I wish I had the luxury and could just not do my job when it becomes difficult or takes longer than usual.

William A. Forsyth, Kent County Prosecutor

 

82 Ionia Avenue NW, Suite 450

 

 

 

Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2266

 

 

 

Phone: (616) 632-6710

Fax: (616) 632-6714

 

 

And things like this are just a few. add in the Money Shuffle from the MMMP, the funky legislation, Bill Schuettes Closed door "Public" meetings last fall, add what I firmly believe is the reason the MSC upheld this Law, then apply that to the actions of the GOP since 2010.

 

I find it hard to fathom one can stand by and say conspiracy theory. When evidence lines up that points to a conspiracy, then it is no longer a Theory, it is a fact.

 

The evidence is right infront of us right here in the Medical Cannabis Fight....Unless we choose to not look at it, and just let this crap continue on for our children to work out...

 

The GOP choose the this fight, because they had the opinion of "They are just a bunch of stoners, they ll be easy to get over on." I would contend they underestimated a few things... and were VERY Sloppy...

 

We can allow it to continue and stand up as a group, in a State that has many groups like ours, or we can go it alone, and hope for the best...

Edited by Timmahh
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do not underestimate the value of one on one facetime with your reps. It is our best weapon bar none. The primaries also showed that pissing off MMJ supporters can be a critical mistake, Kurt Damrow anyone? I think we have had a bumpy ride since the law passed and over the last year but my friends we are slowly but surely gaining ground.

 

How did our law get passed? Did it pass both houses and get the governor's signature after some quality face time? No, we courted the public, and they passed it for us. Those in Lansing are our ENEMIES. They are not neutral, they are not uninformed, they are not stupid, they want us in prison, and have ulterior motives. They pretend to support us only to dodge damage to their careers, but the second our backs are turned, out come the knives.

 

Courting either big business party has been the graveyard of many movements. It acts as a release valve for frustration and anger that goes nowhere, and by the time it's over, people have lost their energy, their motivation, and their hope, and little to nothing has been gained. The greatest crisis every progressive movement faces is that of leadership, and telling people that these people in Lansing are some sort of dazed and confused vanguard that only needs to "see the light" is the worst advice possible.

 

Once again: how much good did that face time do with the last couple votes in Lansing? Last I heard, we were getting creamed by 90%+ margins. That's not what I call victory.

 

They will only back off when they fear for their jobs. A citizen smiling over a cup of coffee isn't very scary. A letter to the editor in the Detroit Free Press is scary. "Faces of MMJ" on TV would be even scarier.

 

They will of course tell you that they don't respond to these kind of developments, but that's a lie, meant to discourage further action. Look back to the Cuban Missile Crisis. It was agreed that the Soviets would withdraw their missiles in Cuba if the US would withdraw theirs from Turkey - on the condition that the US withdrawal would take place 6 months later, and be acknowledged in the press as unrelated.

 

It's all power games... a chess match... they are con artists. Believe otherwise and you'll be red paste getting thumped by semis on the freeway.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

And they want us to believe that they are protecting us?? Seriously???

The only thing they want to protect their Bull scrap jobs. Makes me wounder how much money they have taken over the years in ummm donations shall we say?

Pifffft I have said it before, we need to find the dirt that has been sweaped under the rugs and make it public in a loud and clear voice.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yea, that Akin dude is hit. I don't disagree with your post Tim and if we could get all the anti-gop parties under the same flag that would truly be amazing.

 

Purklize, you see, you are confused in thinking that everyone that voted for this law is looking at it thru the same eyes that we are. Not so. You also need to keep in mind that the legislators have not walked in our shoes for one minute. They do not think that LEO would violate peoples rights and have no idea that fear that many of us have lived with. Trying to convince them of this is a monumental task that some of us have kept at the whole way. But like it or not, as of right now they are in control, we have to try and convince them while at the same time try to get votes against those that oppose us. These bills will likely be done with before the election and darn sure before any changeover of the house. Savvy?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If there was doubt about the republican parties agenda I think a window into their private thinking just opened.

Which could very well be related to their private agenda.

 

I think it is high time we as a nation wake up to the realities that those we elect to serve us only serve big business and their parties private agendas.

I really dislike to choices we have for prez etc. but going with the repubic party is not the path I will take.

Edited by Fat Freddy
Link to comment
Share on other sites

My rep voted against all the bills - Jeff Irwin, one of the few good guys.

 

SFC, this is where you and I differ: you think they are simply ignorant but well intentioned, but the reality is that most are feigning stupidity to provide cover for their dirty deeds, as Bush so famously did. If you were right, things would have changed in Lansing a long time ago. The amount of evidence that marijuana is harmless and has broad medical uses is overwhelming, yet they all opposed the MMMA of 2008 and never proposed a bill of their own.

 

If you were a legislator who opposed medical marijuana because it meant your cop buddies couldn't pay their salaries anymore by seizing everything from patients, would you come out and admit this? Of course not, that would be political suicide. You would feign ignorance and reiterate the same ridiculous arguments that have been disproven a million times over. It's much safer, politically.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It really is nowhere near that simple Purklize. Fact is most of the rank and file police are voting democrat. Turn that one over in your head for a minute. Also like I have said before most of the reps really had no clue anything was wrong with the system until we all started educating them. We HAVE made inroads, on both sides of the isle. Not as far in as we want but we are slowly getting there. People are making it clear where they stand on this issue every day and for the most part they are coming down on our side of the coin. The anti's are a minority.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hard Patrol LEO (food guys/road ptrls) are union guys. they understand what it means if they lose their bargaining rights. but this is a 2 way street....

they are public servants after all.

 

with a Mi chapter of LEAP, it seems there could be a Good show of support from at least some in the Enforcement Agency. Even if they are Retired. the Lead of the Mi chapter of LEAP, is former DEA/Tax specialist, that dealt in the area of Seizure of Assests.. In my personal nobody opinion, it would seem this is exactly the type of Person, and cross support that can lead to a lot of open doors, opposed to closed jail cells.

 

the Nurses Union is another.... and yes, even the Teachers and Firefighters union. These people are our neighbors, friends, family, school friends....

 

To think they wont be willing to work hand in hand on the issues our State is facing seems rather short sighted.

 

Like cutting off our collective noses, despite our collective faces.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fact is most of the rank and file police are voting democrat. Turn that one over in your head for a minute.

 

Most Democrats voted for these crummy bills. Jennifer Granholm openly opposed the MMMA of 2008.

 

Sure, the anti's may *seem* to be a minority, but that's because of the 63% margin that the MMMA was passed by... not because they actually believe that. They're politicians! Do you seriously expect them to be honest?

 

They would never have passed legal MMJ, which for me is proof enough they are against it. None of our surrounding states have done so through their legislatures, despite 80% support nationwide (60-70% in the deep south).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Status Quo of Federal Funds, Protected LEO Monies via full prisons and illegal Seizure Laws, Other Federal Suppression Grants, and clear cut and plain unadulterated fraud against the Citizens is Big Business, and they don't want to give it up.

 

Guess what allows Us to tell THEM too bad?

 

A Peoples Initiative, which IS the Power of the People.... Regardless of the Topic, and what our MSC ruled on May 31st.

 

Bigger Picture. The Time for discussions is over. It is time for Redress and Action in November with our votes, and the voting power of the groups that uphold one of our most sacred State Constitutional Rights...

Edited by Timmahh
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Tim, I think you have a pretty good grasp of the reality on the ground. We do need to rally our people to vote but them other groups are going to be voting too and it is shaping up to be a perfect democrat storm. That being said they really cannot be counted as our friends either. If you haven't made contact with your current state rep please make contact with them and whoever is running against them. The more facetime we put in with these people the better.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If i didnt live in Midland (schuette country) my calls may be heard. but being in Midland. unless you have 7 zero's after your last name.

 

I have and will make contact again, though its hard to speak to the deaf dumb and blinded. they only understand the loss of zeros...

 

so I shall continue to poke holes in their bags of BS, and work all angles to rid ourselves of this filth that stays among us.

Edited by Timmahh
Link to comment
Share on other sites

In interest of civil dialogue,

 

I would suggest adjusting your tone if you wish to actually accomplish something in your district. It's about shifting the spectrum to our favour.

 

Think of it this way, If we were to make a scale of support or opposition by representatives and Senators, we would use a +-5 swing scale and place Rep's in the appropriate category.

 

Example... designating Support with an "S" we would have a scale that ranges from S+5 to S-5. Rep. Irwin would be considered an "S+5" candidate for is unending support, whereas someone like Sen. Rick Jones would be an "S-5" in negative support(opposition).

 

To declare a shifting support for our positions we have to be gaining in the overall "S" rating. That can be accomplished by either enticing an "S+2+ to becoming a "S+3", OR turning a "S-3" into a "S-1". Both shows a shifting towards less opposition to our positions. Se, even if you cannot get someone to support us who is your elected official, you can decrease their opposition instead of increasing it.

 

So, yea, even if you live in a district with a serious opponent to our cause, you can lessen the damage they will do or attempt to do with your efforts to educate your said Rep's/Senators.

 

You can also do damage. So , civil dialogue and proper tone can be advantageous.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree entirely - the things I say here about how evil I think they are would of course not be beneficial for advocacy in Lansing.

 

Where I disagree (not necessarily with you, I don't know what your stance is) with SFC is on how resources should be divided... I think we should be hitting Lansing but more importantly the press and therefore the public... face time in Lansing will turn the good guys, but the bad guys need to be shamed in the press... SFC thinks we should stick 100% with face time in Lansing. (If I am mistaken I apologize, please do set me straight if I am.) I think this is a strategy destined for failure as we again have two groups of legislators: those who are completely corrupt, who want us in jail no matter what (but will adjust their tone and actions when their jobs are threatened as they are, after all, politicians), and those who are average joes who really do want to do the right thing and/or are uneducated. The bad guys will lead us on when we show up to chat, and then vote against us, just as happened last time. Unfortunately they are the overwhelming majority right now.

Edited by purklize
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Right on.

 

I can definitely say that is not SFC's position. All forms of influence, education, advcocacy that are done in a positive manner are absolutely needed. That has always been my, and afaik, SFC's.

 

I would say there are only a few extremes on either side of the aisle. The vast majority tend to go along to get along; whether that be getting along with their party, their constituency, their donors, their ideology, or their prejudices.

 

The vast majority can, and are, and some have been educated to understand that medical cannabis does indeed work and maybe they have been a little prejudicial.

 

It's a long hard trudge to change peoples positions, but it is worth it in the end. The shift is still happening and the more we educate, the faster the improvement.

 

 

I have been highly disappointed int he amount of truly educational material that "the community" has published. Just basic straight forward education and testimonials submitted as LTE's to newspapers all across the state explaining how cannabis has changed/improved your life and/or scientific studies and opinion pieces on the actual medical benefits for basic conditions the general public deals with. Basic simple education about cannabinoids and their uses in reducing inflammation etc., or how it helps nerve pain or any other topic relating to any of the qualifying conditions. Make sure to deliver writing in a professional manner so to garner legitimacy from the public.

 

Anyhow,... yea... we or most all feel that way, it is just about getting people to get off their lazy arses and actually do it. It is hard to get people to send LTE's because most require you be from the area of the newspaper and to submit your real name. But those letters are effective if done similar to what i said. Very effective. People get tired of hearing ranting and raving,... take the time and effort to put out solid education and information and "normalize" the presence of cannabis patients.

 

The reason it may seem that SFC, or possibly even myself, focus on Advocacy is because we founded an organization to do specifically that. It was something that was completely lacking in this state and the patients, caregivers and physicians needed a pure voice in the Halls of Lansing and a group with the tenacity to reign in the steam punk maze of Administrative functions and processes. Our "enemies" started working against us in 2008 while we floundered through 2009 a bit after the Administrative rules were released. Groups like the Michigan Townships Association, Michigan Municipal League, Prosecutors Association, Sheriffs Association, and many others were working feverishly to amend OUR Act and throw a cloud of confusion around us and the Law. Someone had to do something, so some of the greatest minds, patients and legal experts of the marijuana movement came together to focus our efforts and make a difference and protect the Act to the best of our ability. We figured grassroots groups like 3MA would be able to bring the masses together to coordinate LTE drives and Education disbursement. Needless to say, it has been rather lacking due to lack of volunteers from the "grassroots" people. Also, leadership and mostly direction has been vague at best. Ever since the "grassroots" people were taken advantage of by 3MA at the first Convention, the originals have not wanted to be part of a group that takes advantage of people. It's a shame.

 

It takes you to change it.

 

But it takes effort and striving for better than yourself.

 

Anyhow,... i still run an original model compassion club too. :-) We do charity work(Tools for Schools) and run book drives to help fund the local library in which we meet. There are many many forms to effect change and progress.

 

Find what makes you feel good and do it professionally and compassionately.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Its our fault these bills are where they are now,, we pushed for p2p c to any patient sales dispensaries on every corner, markets in every major city, what do you expect .. the republican controlled senate and house to do nothing? to all you people pushing that agenda this is the result,

 

and you guys think a protest will fix this?? your dreaming again,,

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here is something you can send to the rep's that are on the line so to speak. I found the link in " Treating Yourself "

This youtube video is about a young man dealing with Tourettes syndrome. If you have ever had the opportunity to meet someone with Tourettes you know how disruptive to one's life it can be.

 

His 1st video:

Note: this video my be offensive to some due to the nature of some of his tic's

 

His 2nd video

 

You can find more videos by inserting: into your search bar: tourettes & cannabis youtube

 

As I read about this young man I had to ask myself: What if I were affected by Tourettes. What would I do?

 

These are some of the people we are fighting to protect. Can we give less then our all for them?

Edited by Fat Freddy
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree entirely - the things I say here about how evil I think they are would of course not be beneficial for advocacy in Lansing.

 

Where I disagree (not necessarily with you, I don't know what your stance is) with SFC is on how resources should be divided... I think we should be hitting Lansing but more importantly the press and therefore the public... face time in Lansing will turn the good guys, but the bad guys need to be shamed in the press... SFC thinks we should stick 100% with face time in Lansing. (If I am mistaken I apologize, please do set me straight if I am.) I think this is a strategy destined for failure as we again have two groups of legislators: those who are completely corrupt, who want us in jail no matter what (but will adjust their tone and actions when their jobs are threatened as they are, after all, politicians), and those who are average joes who really do want to do the right thing and/or are uneducated. The bad guys will lead us on when we show up to chat, and then vote against us, just as happened last time. Unfortunately they are the overwhelming majority right now.

 

Very well said. I agree that the 'public' are the key to getting the politicians to accept mmj. Currently the politicians are playing games and repaying favors, politics as usual, with this issue. They do not politically fear crossing the medical marijuana patients.

 

I agree too that the press is the key to changing public perceptions. We get far too few opportunities at positive press.

 

Those calling for letters to the editor seem to have forgotten that most people are unwilling to put their real names out there at this time. Please recall that most people are within a network of friends and relatives and their decision regarding publicly advocating for cannabis will affect that network. Some can afford to make that decision and others can't.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Then the "some" that can afford need to step up! Maybe some of you have been looking at a different press than I have, but they have not been all that friendly to us or our cause. They find the worst pictures of us and put them on the front page. Even our own media have a tendency of putting up the worst pics of us (seehttp://www.tokeofthetown.com/2012/08/michigan_medical_marijuana_patients_fight_back_wit.php) We are in a PR battle, rubbing peoples noses in this is not gaining us any ground. We (cardholders) are all ambassadors of this program, Savvy? When we push the envelope with our own actions do you think it advances our cause or sets us back?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My post is merely a cry for compassion for those that suffer from illnesses with no effective man made medication.

If someone takes it out of that context and misconstrues it's nature. That only speaks volumes to their limited mind set.

After all isn't this about the patient and the debilitating conditions their faced with???

In the videos I posted it shows one of the most sever cases of Tourettes I have seen. Does anyone realize how his condition affects his social life?? Or for that matter his public life??? Perhaps some just do not care all they see is the dollars at the end of the rain bow

I watched my dad die from cancer it was one of the hardest things I have had to do in my life. Some may not know what it is to stand by and watch someone suffer like that. I can tell you it is an eye opening experience. I may not be polished and I may not have a good public prosana. But I can say this much:

compassion is this; when tears come to your eyes when you see someone in a wheelchair their bodies ravaged by MS.

Tears come to your eyes when you see a child stricken by cancer or leukemia.

 

Sometimes in our rush to protect our law do we tend to forget those people???

Just my thoughts on this matter and not necessarily an opinion of others here.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Then the "some" that can afford need to step up! Maybe some of you have been looking at a different press than I have, but they have not been all that friendly to us or our cause. They find the worst pictures of us and put them on the front page. Even our own media have a tendency of putting up the worst pics of us (seehttp://www.tokeofthe...ht_back_wit.php) We are in a PR battle, rubbing peoples noses in this is not gaining us any ground. We (cardholders) are all ambassadors of this program, Savvy? When we push the envelope with our own actions do you think it advances our cause or sets us back?

 

the first two pics on that link are sure ugly,, both could set us back

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My post is merely a cry for compassion for those that suffer from illnesses with no effective man made medication.

If someone takes it out of that context and misconstrues it's nature. That only speaks volumes to their limited mind set.

After all isn't this about the patient and the debilitating conditions their faced with???

In the videos I posted it shows one of the most sever cases of Tourettes I have seen. Does anyone realize how his condition affects his social life?? Or for that matter his public life??? Perhaps some just do not care all they see is the dollars at the end of the rain bow

I watched my dad die from cancer it was one of the hardest things I have had to do in my life. Some may not know what it is to stand by and watch someone suffer like that. I can tell you it is an eye opening experience. I may not be polished and I may not have a good public prosana. But I can say this much:

compassion is this; when tears come to your eyes when you see someone in a wheelchair their bodies ravaged by MS.

Tears come to your eyes when you see a child stricken by cancer or leukemia.

 

Sometimes in our rush to protect our law do we tend to forget those people???

Just my thoughts on this matter and not necessarily an opinion of others here.

 

That is a professional, sensible, compassionate view which i wish i would see more of. Polished or not, that is a proper tone and message that needs to be heard.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...

×
×
  • Create New...