[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by coolkayaker1;8***53

...Bottom line: slippery slope of legalizing mind-altering, impairing substances is "bad" societal medicine.

That and the rest of cool's post makes sense to me.

[JourneyOfLife]

Originally Posted by eweissenbach

Seems to me that the many of the same people who want zero controls on guns want maximum control on marijuana.

That is a keen observation. What you point out is a stark contrast in people's perception of society.

A broader POV, looking at the forest instead of the trees.

I find it very peculiar too. I will skip the exercise of expounding on what gun are designed to do vs marijuana use.

They are different issues, but it sure casts a light on the differences in peoples perception of their world and others in it.

IMO, We are all prone to being manipulated by rhetoric and hyperbole, present or past... and it can cause deep seated biases that last a lifetime.

[TexaninVA]

Originally Posted by joerocker

When was your visit? That's all you have to answer.

Otherwise, like most here, you're parroting what someone else said. You have NO first hand experience and you're relying on what you've read or heard. So, in reality, you have a STRONG opinion about a place you've never been to or seen. Is that stereotyping? (sorry, wrong thread)

Using NK as my example for general ignorance was perfect. Thank you for proving the point. Never been there but know ALL about it?

I said we don't know anything about NK. But apparently, you do. Tell us again about your trip.

Joe … I repeat with emphasis -- you have absolutely no idea, ie zero, of what you’re talking about regarding North Korea. You’re either being willfully provocative or astoundingly naïve, or are possibly high when you write. Those are the only explanations I can conjure up.

For the record here is what you said lest it be unclear:
“…I’ve seen pictures of NK, it's VERY clean. The people looked like they were having a good time, smiling, laughing. They seemed well fed. Contrary to what we are told about the place. One picture was a nighttime satellite shot showing how dark NK is at night. If you ask me, they're happier at home sleeping than the shift workers here up all night toiling away. Things are seldom what you're told they are. Lies are everywhere.”

Of course I have not travelled to North Korea. Who would even want to visit that hellhole? But, I do have many years past experience where I had the opportunity to work with experts on the country, and who are the most knowledgeable in government and industry on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Actually, it’s truly idiotic (no offense), and a waste of TOTV air time to even discuss whether North Korea is a Stalinist totalitarian regime. Trust me, it’s a fact …not an opinion, similar to me informing you the earth is round not flat. DPRK is a throwback in time with hundreds of thousands in forced labor camps, individuality non-existent and life is very, very cheap. I can cite volumes of open source information but I’ll leave that to others to look up if interested. I have no interest in persuading you, but I could simply not let such an egregiously naïve statement go unanswered or unchallenged on TOTV.

You also seem to be an anti-establishment guy, don’t trust authority, and skeptical of government in general, all of which is fine by the way. However, two questions for you now.

1. Given that Dear Leader Kim Jong Un was just reelected with 100% of the vote, and with a 100% voter turnout, does that strike you in any way as peculiar or generate any skepticism on your part? Do you think it might actually be ... a lie of sorts?

2. Do you think you would be happier living in North Korea? (your comments imply you might … so just asking)

[gomoho]

Originally Posted by joerocker

Details please...marijuana alone "ravaged" your children? In what way?

Denial isn't only a river in Egypt.

That response is cruel and extremely disrespectful - do you think I would make something like that up for the sake of argument? Until you have walked in my shoes don't even presume you know what you are talking about.

[TexaninVA]

Originally Posted by coolkayaker1;8***53

As a physician, we could say the same about over 100 prescription only drugs, medically proven to be equally as recreationally enjoyable with low addition potential and less side effects than pot (these are pills, not smoked).

Should we legalize those, too? Make them OTC and tax them?

I point out eweissenbach's post above not to pick him out, but because he so eloquently describes the arguments for legalization. I hope to have made one think about the negative repercussions of legalization...and where to draw the line.

And, The fact that alcohol is a drug and already legal is not a convincing argument for legalizing other mind-altering substances.

The fact that we cannot control pot sales and distribution with current laws and forces is not a convincing argument for legalizing a mind-altering substance. (It is an argument for stricter laws, including potentially capital punishment for the worst offending distributors).

Courts and prisons will not be less burdened with legalization...conversely, they will be more burdened as pot does impede driving, machine operating skills, work occupational safety, etc. at least as much as alcohol.

Bottom line: slippery slope of legalizing mind-altering, impairing substances is "bad" societal medicine.

Excellent post and well said.

[TOTV Team]

Keep comments directed at the topic and not at users. Discuss the issues and avoid directing at each other so the thread doesn't have to be closed. Thanks in advance.

[billethkid]

Originally Posted by Admin

Keep comments directed at the topic and not at users. Discuss the issues and avoid directing at each other so the thread doesn't have to be closed. Thanks in advance.

bears repeating for those who don't hear as well......

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by TexaninVA

You’re either being willfully provocative or astoundingly naïve, or are possibly high when you write.

There is no need to insult people because you don't agree with their opinions.

[PennBF]

Does anyone really think their comments will change the mind and the actions of a Marijuana user. Let me help with the answer. NO !. The user must make the decision for themselves. Until they do they will (a) use and (b) be in favor of allowing others to use. To think otherwise is not to understand drugs and their effect on the mind and the need to use. As hard as it is to understand the only one that can alter the user's habits and needs is THE USER.

[JourneyOfLife]

All of those opposed to changing the law, if it becomes legal... you should have the opportunity to try it.



Those who try it might have a miraculously change of opinion.



[Cheesy sinister laugh ] MOOHOOO HEE HEE HAW HAW HAW HAWWWWWWWWWWWWW!


Just joking

[janmcn]

Originally Posted by JourneyOfLife

All of those opposed to changing the law, if it becomes legal... you should have the opportunity to try it.



Those who try it might have a miraculously change of opinion.



[Cheesy sinister laugh ] MOOHOOO HEE HEE HAW HAW HAW HAWWWWWWWWWWWWW!


Just joking

After 19 pages of postings, it is worth mentioning (IMO) that there is no movement towards legalizing marijuana in Florida, except for medical marijuana which will be on the ballot in November 2014. To use it recreationally legally, one must travel to Colorado or Washington, the only two states allowing it at this time.

To change the law in Florida would require close to one million signatures on a petition and someone with very deep pockets to fund the initiative, or action by the Florida legislature.

[graciegirl]

Even those who say they haven't tried it and are not crazy about it becoming legal, probably have tried it.


Most of us have had sex too.

[JourneyOfLife]

Originally Posted by janmcn

After 19 pages of postings, it is worth mentioning (IMO) that there is no movement towards legalizing marijuana in Florida, except for medical marijuana which will be on the ballot in November 2014. To use it recreationally legally, one must travel to Colorado or Washington, the only two states allowing it at this time.

To change the law in Florida would require close to one million signatures on a petition and someone with very deep pockets to fund the initiative, or action by the Florida legislature.

Uhhh... maybe this will help you understand the meaning of joking.

1. Something said or done to evoke laughter or amusement, especially an amusing story with a punch line.
2. A mischievous trick; a prank.
3. An amusing or ludicrous incident or situation.

joking - definition of joking by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.

[coalminer]

Oh course it should be legal how much longer are we going to waste law enforcement resources trying to control a drug that is less harmful than nicotine or alcohol?

[TexaninVA]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

There is no need to insult people because you don't agree with their opinions.

Barefoot ...you're right, I should have toned down my language. Plus I will heed Admin's earlier admonitions to avoid directing at each other.

By way of background, here's what caused me to momentarily lose my temper ... ie JoeRocker's comments quoted as follows:

“…I’ve seen pictures of NK, it's VERY clean. The people looked like they were having a good time, smiling, laughing. They seemed well fed. Contrary to what we are told about the place. One picture was a nighttime satellite shot showing how dark NK is at night. If you ask me, they're happier at home sleeping than the shift workers here up all night toiling away. Things are seldom what you're told they are. Lies are everywhere.”