3.5MILLION PEOPLE ASK THE #1 QUESTION,SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGALIZED?
DR. BERNSTEIN: Three point five million.
THE PRESIDENT: Three point five million people voted. I have to say that there was one question that was voted on that ranked fairly high and that was whether legalizing marijuana would improve the economy -- (laughter) -- and job creation. And I don't know what this says about the online audience -- (laughter) -- but I just want -- I don't want people to think that -- this was a fairly popular question; we want to make sure that it was answered. The answer is, no, I don't think that is a good strategy -- (laughter) -- to grow our economy. (Applause.)
So -- all right.
DR. BERNSTEIN: Thank you for clearing that up. (Laughter.) This next question comes from Columbia, South Carolina:
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- groups:
- Community, News and Politics, Money, Law
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- tags:
- News, News and Politics, Barack Obama, Law, 14 more
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unclecharlie
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Potheads! Every last one of them! Voters go to the POLLS to vote, not to the POLES! Silly Hippy!
- 3 years ago
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unclecharlie
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unphiltered
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Of course they won't. They are politicians, they are more concerned about money than the concern of the public.
Realistically we won't get legalization passed nationally and it will continue to get scrubbed off.
Go talk to your representatives that are in favor, even they will admit (if honest) that even though they are for legalization/decrim- both of those words scare away politicians and uninformed americans. There needs to be a better way to approach it, many states have found that bridge to be "medical" marijuana. Speaking frankly with a Texas Rep last week, he said he wouldn't vote for it unless we work on a less intimidating wording, its something we should seriously consider to sway the public and politicos.
For example- Measure Z in Oakland.
It was a city wide "lowest priority measure", but in the process basically decriminalized possession, cultivation, and sales of cannabis to ALL citizens 21 and up. As well as laying down the wording that they will tax it...once a statewide tax program has been set up. This keeps the politicians from seeing it as "legal", doesn't say we need to tax and regulate immediately, and eliminates the waste of expenditure for enforcement and does this for ALL ADULTS OVER 21. Basically this accomplishes everything we are shooting for with out using the words decriminalization or legalization. Many cities and a few states are pushing for Lowest Priority Measures, and are seeing more success than using the latter form. Just my opinion because questions geared at all out decrim and legalization will continue to get laughed at, however sad and ignorant it may be.
Other than that, we NEED the MAJOR SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH. As in, its time for scientists and growers to come together and find a cure or treatment for cancer with cannabinoids. It's time for pot smokers and activists to start pushing the NON-PSYCHOACTIVE properties of CBD and the amazing anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, anti-psychotic, and cancer inhibiting abilties of this chemical compound that once isolated DOES NOT GET YOU HIGH. THC is great and can fight cancer, but showing we can also use one of the myriad of cannabinoids that does not get you high to fight medical illnesses will help illustrate that we only see the tip of the iceberg with this plant.
- 3 years ago
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unphiltered
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mykuh
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unphiltered:
Ugh... I don't know where you got your facts buddy but cannaboids are NOT in any way shape form or fashion an anti-psychotic. It actually irritates psychotic features in all Bipolar, Schizo-affective, and Paranoid Schizophrenics. Without fail. Every time. The effects are particularly bad when coming down from a high, it exaggerates the sympoms greatly. It has its other values that are of virtue, but this one thing it does not have. Any evidence that points to the contrary is few and far in between, not to mention biased.
- 3 years ago
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mykuh
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unphiltered
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unphiltered:
Well you are incorrect and behind the science. I'm assuming that either A. you are speaking from personal experiences or knowledge or B. you fall in to the UK propaganda.
Scientists are now finding that CBD is a successful atypical anti-psychotic in treatment of schizophrenia. CBD does not have the same effect as THC, keep that in mind and keep in mind that many of the effects of cannabinoids have not been researched thoroughly due to the impact of THC on cannabinoid studies. Let alone the fact that we really have only researched around 5 cannabinoids. The possibilities are endless at this point because we haven't researched anything.
Here is one such scientific study that shows this research.
"Cannabidiol, a Cannabis Sativa Constituent, As An Antipsychotic Drug"
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research (2006)
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/bjmbr/v39n4/6164.pdf - 3 years ago
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unphiltered
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iloveravi
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Do the people who actually believe that the government will do the smart thing instead of the politically smart thing?
Wake up.
- 3 years ago
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iloveravi
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uroborus8
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By Obama answering the question he led credibility to the question. 3.5 million is a pretty amazing response. If this issue keeps coming up and more people continue to support the issue I believe we will see change. Probably not until the second term, though.
- 3 years ago
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uroborus8
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DreSandoval
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shame obama!!!
- 3 years ago
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DreSandoval
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Conniepae
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Jim Webb: Pot Legalization Could Be Part Of Criminal Justice Overhaul
I'm sure President Obama knows 'help is on the way'!
- 3 years ago
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Conniepae
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mykuh
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No offense guys... but this is definitely not the #1 issue in the US. It would not solve all those problems you think it would. It's a drop in the bucket.
- 3 years ago
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mykuh
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unphiltered
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mykuh:
Agreed, it will not be as much of a profit or industry immediately. But it would immediately reduce over $40-$50 Billion in expenditure, so that does make it much much more important than the drop in the bucket AIG bonuses that Congress and President are wasting time and media on. And it is much more important to Liberty and Freedom of Americans than that of nationalizing the banking system and putting us on a path to socialism.
- 3 years ago
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unphiltered
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hydrokat
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mykuh:
But it is the number one topic in this string. Perhaps You need to search for a new string more topical to your desires.
- 3 years ago
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hydrokat
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Conniepae
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mykuh:
No offense mykuh, but this has been the #1 issue for some participants at current.com. Every topic doesn’t have to solve all the problems, they are mere discussions on topics people choose to talk about. If you and others don’t think it’s the topic of choice for you, move along. Go to the posts, which are of interest to you. Why should our conversations be stifled, because you aren’t interested in the conversation? There are many other topics available for you to go to, move along. Or, do what we do, post what interests you and see if others want to talk about it.
- 3 years ago
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Conniepae
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RubyJ
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mykuh:
Sorry Mykuh,
Like the others have said. We do have a right to discuss "This particular topic" because it is the topic. If you would rather talk about the "bigger issues" instead of this "drop in the bucket" stuff. A new string might be the ticket. Have a great day! - 3 years ago
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RubyJ
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Ihatethemall
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Well so far he hasn't {HAHAHA} repealed any of the laws{HAHAHA} that took away our civil liberties{HAHAHA} and he has{HAHAHA} come strait out{HAHAHA} and said that he will{HAHAHA} not be legalizing weed{HAHAHA} for us to use. Change????????? {HAHAHA} thats fuckin{HAHAHA} funny.
Well at least the "detainees" in gitmo are no longer enemy combatants. And the war on terror is now just and "overseas contingency plan" And the poor misunderstood folks that commit terrorist acts are now called "man made dissasters" seems like he's changing our terms and thats about it.
the only man made dissaster is obama himself and the money he's spending.
- 3 years ago
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Ihatethemall
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rosettastar
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i took note that he did not say he was opposed, he said "The answer is, no, I don't think that is a good strategy to grow our economy."
Hes got to let Hilary take the initiative and take the political fallout for this one....
but i am sure he'll sign the bill when the time comes.
- 3 years ago
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rosettastar
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cerealforeal
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rosettastar:
He said that so he doesn't get caught in the medical argument, because he'll lose that one in a heartbeat and he knows it. What a tool using the economy as a reason to not legalize it.
- 3 years ago
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cerealforeal
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RubyJ
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rosettastar:
@Cerealforeal.You hit the nail on the head!
- 3 years ago
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RubyJ
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Conniepae
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I must admit, my knee jerk reaction was sadness. But, the masses must hear the facts first. President Obama does not have the time to inform people about cannabis hemp. Look what people say to those of us who are trying. Yesterday, loustriker commented, "Stop clogging my mediastream with asinine weed articles." loustriker is not alone, there are many people who don't know facts, don't want to know facts, they just want to throw stones.
President Obama has enough stones being thrown at him at the moment. I don't want him stoned for me. I will keep posting facts. I will keep writing, trying to inform the masses. Eventually the masses will stop being spun by the spinners. Ya know, the ones who don't know facts, dont want to know facts? The ones who just want to throw stones and spin distorted opinions, minus facts.
We’ve had 8 years of people like loustriker, a ‘decider’ who didn’t know facts, who didn’t want to know facts. Facts didn’t matter, cause he was the self-professed ‘decider’.
We voted for change. Change will take hard work. Facts matter! Change can happen. The facts are on our side. Cannabis hemp has real history, people must hear it.
- 3 years ago
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Conniepae
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mykuh
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Conniepae:
Just because you call them facts, and use biased surveys and research, does not make them facts.
- 3 years ago
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mykuh
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simplecj
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Conniepae:
Well, I can say I know quite a few FACTS about cannabis after 12 years of experience and research on the subject. Hell, I even did a two month stay in a state corrections facility back in 2001, THATS how dedicated I am to understanding the whole story! (partial sarcasm intended)
Without a doubt biased studies have been used throughout the decades to continue feeding support for prohibition, even though many of those studies have since been debunked and proven wrong by hundreds of newer studies.
Who are you to say they aren't facts? What are the facts then, please tell!
- 3 years ago
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simplecj
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hydrokat
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Conniepae:
I personally am not looking to throw stones at anyone. I am concerned about the the voter turn out based on these statements made by He(obama) in favor of helping to end the persecution of medically used marijuana. There are millions of people who can be helped by this. They live with pain 24-7. It's not just selfish interests, it's cruel, you don't fool around with people who endure chronic pain. They went out and voted according to their personal pain and suffering. President Obama laughed them off. He will pay the price when He seeks reelection. We don't forget, pain and suffering as he apparently has. He lied! End of it.
- 3 years ago
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hydrokat
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RubyJ
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Conniepae:
The facts, pray-tell. You seem to be so on top of what the spin is.....How about some facts to back this up?
I can tell you that there are more people out there that live in pain, every moment of their lives that you can't. even imagine. And thats a fact. Yes...lets just take it slow and easy like we have been doing since "Reefer Madness" How much longer do we wait?? Get Real! - 3 years ago
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RubyJ
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Conniepae
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Conniepae:
Jim Webb: Pot Legalization Could Be Part Of Criminal Justice Overhaul
This was announced yesterday. Don't ya think President Obama knew it was coming out? It's Democrats and Republicans, working on it together. I trust Jim Webb and I think he has the courage to follow through. Cannabis hemp really does cross party lines.
Maybe President knew "help is on the way". Say what you want, but cannabis hemp legalization is moving along at a record pace and I not hearing a lot of attempts to spin the issue. Many people realize cannabis hemp should not be illegal.
- 3 years ago
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Conniepae
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RubyJ
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Conniepae:
Are you hearing spin or are you not hearing spin? And you believe that "here he comes to save the day" and that would be "Jim Webb is on his way?" So you're telling us that Obama knew that he could pass this off and Jim would pick it up and run with it and everything will be alright? That is very interesting.
- 3 years ago
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RubyJ
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Conniepae
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Conniepae:
RubyJ, I am sure Jim Webb did not circumvent the President when he and others made the decision to investigate the issue. I do think President Obama knew Jim Webb and others were taking up the issue. Yes, yes, yes!
President Obama knew and isn't stopping them. What does that tell ya? He's letting others move in the right direction. His Justice Department is moving in the right direction, in states where medical marijuana is legal.
Ordinary Americans have been spun distorted facts for years and years. Cannabis hemp history was removed from educational material. Many ordinary Americans are unaware of cannabis hemp history. They don't know it has been around for thousands of years. It's time to inform people using facts. www.jackherer.com or his page on current.com and read the information he is posting daily.
- 3 years ago
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Conniepae
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RubyJ
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Conniepae:
Conniepae, I didn't say that Webb was circumventing the president. You may want to go back and read my comment. The public was told(CNN) that Obama was not informed about the marijuana issue being one of the leading questions until an aid gave him a head's up right before he was to appeared on tv to answer the 6 questions. The problem is Obama laughed off the seriousness of the question, making light of the situation so he didn't really have to get into it. To some people it wasn't a joke. His response may have been cute but it was inappropriate.
- 3 years ago
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RubyJ
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Conniepae
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Conniepae:
So what CNN says about President Obama means it's true? I don't believe President Obama found it out right before he took the 6 questions.
I didn't say you said, Sen. Jim Webb was circumventing the President. I said, President Obama 'knew' Sen. Jim Webb and others were taking up the prison issue and they were not doing it behind his back (circumventing him).
I was offended at first. But when I heard about Sen. Webb's new project, I was less offended. I thought he was taking a different road to get to the same end as those who posted on his web site. He knew the issue of incarcerating people for mere possession was going to be addressed. As Sen. Webb investigates cannabis arrests, facts will be made public. Facts being made public is how things will change. Nothing will change until the masses hear facts, which will change their opinions away from the spin of the past.
- 3 years ago
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Conniepae
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RubyJ
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Conniepae:
Conniepae, So what do you think the president was doing when he brought up the question of legalizing marijuana? If he knew about it prior to, then why do you think he replied in such a manner?
- 3 years ago
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RubyJ
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Conniepae
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Conniepae:
RubyJ, I truly don’t know what to think. I was so upset with his answer and the way he answered it! Until I saw the comments of Sen. Jim Webb. Then something changed. I thought about it and my anger changed to hope. President Obama may be letting others take the lead on the issue of cannabis and the laws, which have put so many Americans in prison for mere possession.
Bottom line, I can’t give up. I want change! It hasn’t been 3 months since President Obama took office. I can’t give up yet. I just lived through the years of the Bush administration and it’s hard for me to accept, it’s really more of the same.
President Obama is not stopping Sen. Jim Webb’s efforts, which gives me a glimmer of hope. Don’t get me wrong, it’s only a glimmer of hope. But to me a glimmer of hope is better than no hope. I think President Obama alienated many of his supporters when he gave that flipped answer. I want my ‘hope’ to last more than 3 months. I’m gonna hold my nose and give him the benefit of the doubt for a while longer.
Although the bottom line is, President Obama could change it with the stroke of a pen. He could take cannabis hemp off the Dangerous Substance List. Richard Nixon added cannabis on the Dangerous Substance List, President Obama could take it off. Time will tell?
- 3 years ago
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Conniepae
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RubyJ
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Conniepae:
Conniepae,
I know. And I don't think we should give up. I can understand why he would have been taken back. I guess I was so surprised! I felt like he was disrespecting the question and the folks that sent their questions in. I really felt sorry for these people. Your right, the pres has alot on his plate and I think it's going to have to come from our state incubents. And It would probably be alittle safer on Obamas image. And I mean that respectfully. Keep on speading the truth! - 3 years ago
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RubyJ
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Valence
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(No Laughter) change.gov was bullshit (No Laughter)
The american economy isn't going to get anywhere that it would if weed was legalized and tax.I'm moving to amsterdam (Laughter)
- 3 years ago
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Valence
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UrbanGypsy
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I'm gonna go smoke some pot today just to protest... and partly to just get high :D
- 3 years ago
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UrbanGypsy
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TheMasterPlan13
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Perhaps the next time we have this option to question the pres, we should ask to legalize the industrial use furthermore, and be able to grow industrial hemp in the US. Baby steps. I know this isnt immediate relief to rec and med uses, but the more the stubborn american people see hemp as helping society,(i.e. bio fuel, textile, construction...) the more universally accepted it would be. too longterm?
- 3 years ago
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TheMasterPlan13
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sickinjersey
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TheMasterPlan13:
nope that would be a great start also. do not forget this is medicine for many. not only the economy. but sure at least it would show me as a voter that some one up on the hill has a clue as to how important this issue is.
- 3 years ago
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sickinjersey
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unphiltered
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TheMasterPlan13:
Youre right we are not wording it correctly. Using legalization or decriminalization IMO are not the way to go about it..... I'll post at the bottom my thoughts from experiences lobbying and reality.
- 3 years ago
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unphiltered
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hydrokat
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TheMasterPlan13:
Start at the Human level. Human suffering. Compassionate leadership and reform.
- 3 years ago
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hydrokat
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unphiltered
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TheMasterPlan13:
That works on some politicians others still just say screw you and your illegal medicine.
I was even actually told by Reps. and staff that the answer was to just not get caught.
- 3 years ago
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unphiltered
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MinneapolisMafia
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Bush, worst president ever, until now.
- 3 years ago
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MinneapolisMafia
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the_night_diver
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well, looks like obama won't be giving you any help in winning this battle.
how about, just for a few weeks, we all focus on a battle we can win?
http://current.com/items/89919544/large_scale_abduction_of_americans_planned_for...
- 3 years ago
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the_night_diver
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H0M3GR0WN
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Why ask the online community if you don't wanna listen?!?!?!
You ask for are input and your ignorance is showing!
- 3 years ago
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H0M3GR0WN
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SHAWN_RITTIMAN
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H0M3GR0WN:
True that!
- 3 years ago
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SHAWN_RITTIMAN
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1percent
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It is obvious that those in "power" within the government cannot take seriously the concerns of the citizenry.
This was just another way of trying to calm the masses into thinking that the government is listening and really "cares" what you think.
Obviously if the #1 topic couldn't be handled seriously, just think of how concerned they are about all the other topics brought up.
The people spoke. The government laughed.
No one is listening, No one cares. Just keep pacifying the masses. Crowd control.
Pareo Nullus
- 3 years ago
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1percent
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SHAWN_RITTIMAN
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It's only #1 in the sense of economic returns, employment, environment, medical pain management reform, alternative building materials, petroleum substitute , agriculturally superiority and total disrespect of humans by waste of time and money and that could be focused well elsewhere. 3.5 mil asking the question.......Priceless! Free it!
- 3 years ago
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SHAWN_RITTIMAN
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simplecj
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I agree, we shouldn't expect Obama to stick his neck out, we the people need to get it changed on the state and lower federal level.
I don't know if we are yet ready for a national vote, there is still a lot of work to be done in combating decades old lies and propaganda that have continued to fuel the prohibitionist support. I would guess that we have roughly 50% support, but the question is how many of them would show up to vote and how many people would be rallied against it by the far right and religious establishments.
Not yet... we have much work to do!
Meanwhile, you can also join the debate with me and support the cause on WhiteHouse2.org. You can look me up, my top 4 priorities are all cannabis related and I've been working hard at establishing some good talking points for people to consider (my above post is from one of my discussions on that site).
Please, if you care about this subject, come show your support!
- 3 years ago
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simplecj
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noxidereus
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simplecj:
Cool I will check it out. Thanks.
The worst enemy to this cause is ignorance. Efforts to educate the general public on the facts of this matter are of the utmost importance.
- 3 years ago
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noxidereus
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sickinjersey
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simplecj:
on my way cj
- 3 years ago
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sickinjersey
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Ayahuasca2012
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For sure... it doesn't hurt anyone and decriminalizing Cannabis will be of benefit to everyone.
@ Dessalines - According to Norml it looks like there are 14 states that currently have legalized medical marijuana and many others working on such action. That may not be half of the US but it's a sizable amount... Is that groundwork enough for you? If not realize that each state has controls that decide who can and cannot purchase, how much you can grow, etc... as well as laws which the dispensaries and co-ops must follow to stay legal.
Besides how could it be political suicide for Obama to do something that the public has been requesting for many years? You know that the criminalization of Marijuana was due to racism (and also the Dupont company because they had just invented Nylon rope and Hemp was still king) right? It's time the unjust persecution of this harmless plant was ended.
- 3 years ago
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Ayahuasca2012
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sickinjersey
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hah?online? YES!
- 3 years ago
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sickinjersey
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Dessalines
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sickinjersey:
I am not in disagreement with you. When the legalization movement, unites with prison advocates, and human rights organizations all of which are working toward the same or similar ends unite then it will happen. We are gonna have to have a civil/human rights movement with sit ins, a cadre of skilled debaters, protesters and the like. We we take it to the next level we will win.
- 3 years ago
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Dessalines
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Dessalines
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Why are so many people putting it on Obama to commit political suicide when people have not laid the ground work for legalizing marijuana?
- 3 years ago
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Dessalines
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noxidereus
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Dessalines:
The facts supporting the legalization of marijuana are out there my friend, but the propaganda still is as well. I don't think it's unfair to ask the leader of our government to do what is right based on facts rather than merely playing politics.
By the way, according to one poll I saw recently (sorry I don't remember the reference or how reliable it is) it is close to half of the country who supports legalization of marijuana. The more people who support it, the less it can be argued that doing what is right in this case would be political suicide.
Personally I think it is a sad statement about America where people would rather have a nice facade of a president instead of one who does the right thing. It's sad just how many people fell for the propaganda (I was one of them until I learned first hand that it was all BS).
Nixon used the prohibition to his advantage because it made arresting protesters (hippies) much easier. Even the history channel had a show that said that. At that high level of office, it is rarely really about what is the right thing to do. It's all about strategy, control, and power. Mind you, not all politicians are equal. For example, I think Obama isn't as bad as Bush when it comes to this sort of thing. I like Obama for the most part, but there is still more 'change we need'. We're not quite there yet. We need an enlightenment. We need to get rid of the old-timey ignorances of the past.
- 3 years ago
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noxidereus
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Ihatethemall
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Dessalines:
Thats right it's not obamas fault it's everyone else's it has to be someone elses fault.
- 3 years ago
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Ihatethemall
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Dessalines
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Dessalines:
Its not Obama's country it is ours. Its time to act like it.
- 3 years ago
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Dessalines
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loustriker
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Is this really "the #1 question?" Really guys? Issue of importance numero uno?
- 3 years ago
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loustriker
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ddhboy
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loustriker:
According to current. Just once I wish I came onto this site without all the pro weed propaganda on the front page.
- 3 years ago
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ddhboy
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kcfoxie
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loustriker:
So facts are propaganda?
- 3 years ago
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kcfoxie
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elementaljim
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loustriker:
What bothers me the most is the legislation was based a campaign of fear fueled by misinformation. And as a result of that there are people in jail THAT DIDN'T HURT ANYBODY!
Every minute of every hour of every day that goes by and in my mind innocent people sit in jail, their rights and freedoms marginalized because of some 'greater than thou' opinion.
It's prohibition and it's fucked up! - 3 years ago
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elementaljim
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unphiltered
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loustriker:
Well billions wasted does seem more important to the public than the $150 million in bonuses from AIG that have been receiving national public, Presidential and Congressional attention.
Last I checked, even $1 Billion wasted is more than $150 million, so yes this would make it a more relevant issue than whats on the forum.
- 3 years ago
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unphiltered
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hydrokat
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loustriker:
It's been on the table since its inception in the 30's. I can agree that there are priority issues here. But may I ask, when will it be time? Obama publicly stated he would stop the Feds from carrying out any more raids against authorized, lawfully operating clinics. He now has made it abundantly clear that "NO", is his answer. He recieved many, many votes for his stance on medical marijuana. People who medically have the Right to use it and need it and want it were just blown off the table. How many more groups will he do that too? And what right has anyone to legislate against MY choice to use medical marijuana? I don't care about your opinions. The Government say's this one's good, oh no, this ones bad. It's an old and archaic Law that cannot be enforced. When I think about the tens and millions of Taxpayer dollars that are used to enforce a law that the taxpayers themselves no longer want to pay for. We are talking about Medical Marijuana, grown in the United States by United States citizens for use by United States citizens. What, does that have to do with the drug war in Mexico? It's Heroin and Methamphetimines that are coming out of Mexico. Freakin Hillary in all her righteous condemnation and the problem in Mexico has nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with Me. If there are humans who are buying Afghanistan grown Heroin and Mexican made Meth. I want the government to go after that. That is what the "war on drugs" is about. it's not about the homebound law abiding citizen asking for fair treatment and access to what works for them as a relief to their pain.
- 3 years ago
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hydrokat
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loustriker
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loustriker:
Buddy, we both know what we're talking about. It's not just medical marijuana.
Mexico doesn't produce heroin. It doesn't produce methamphetamines. It produces marijuana. Increased demand through illegal channels here strengthens the cartels THERE.
I just don't care to see the issue monopolizing the NEWS WEBSITE that I frequent. How you (and I) want to smoke weed isn't news.
- 3 years ago
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loustriker
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humanpasta
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I also say put it to a ballot. Does the American public at large (52% of which have at least experimented with pot) think that it should be legal? If over half the population has tried it, this seems pretty clear to me that no one thinks that marijuana should be illegal.
- 3 years ago
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humanpasta
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sickinjersey
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White House press secretary Robert Gibbs was later asked whether Obama, who admitted in his autobiography to experimenting with drugs in his youth, was leaving some wiggle room on the issue.
"The president opposes the legalization of marijuana," Gibbs told reporters, emphasizing his seriousness. "He doesn't think that's the right plan for America."
As for where the new administration stood on medical marijuana, he said to ask the Justice Department.
Gibbs suggested that marijuana advocates may have had a hand in stacking the deck by mobilizing supporters to send in questions and to go online and vote repeatedly for them.
(Writing by Matt Spetalnick)
Put It On The Ballot.
- 3 years ago
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sickinjersey
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sickinjersey
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just watch your legislative branch's! who is running? what is there stance on the issue and in what capacity do they support it?if they have not made a statement publicly do not be afraid to be the one to ask?the message is clear ! states must take the upper hand . let us take it to our local incumbents.
- 3 years ago
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sickinjersey
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simplecj
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My response to anyone who says that cannabis is dangerous and should not be legalized, yet acknowledge that it has medicinal value (how could you not?):
How can you argue that it is a valid medicine, yet you say it's just as bad as alcohol and tobacco?? How so? Really, I'd like to know what these supposed dangers are.
When you consider the multitude of illnesses (including cancer) that are treatable with cannabis, you really gotta ask yourself how such a beneficial herb can be dangerous or harmful at all. Any health risks associated with smoking it can easily be countered with the use of a vaporizer or by eating it, perhaps in a nice muffin or brownie.
While there have been relatively few driving studies done, it has been found that cannabis actually acts in the OPPOSITE manner that alcohol does. (I can vouch for this effect from first hand experience) Users will usually drive slower and more cautiously than someone on alcohol. Alcohol removes inhibitions and causes drivers to drive faster than normal and more recklessly. Millions "toke and drive" everyday, but unlike alcohol you never hear about stoners getting in serious accidents. I wonder why??
I don't think this is a can of worms at all, I think prohibitionists just want you to think it will be. I know for a fact that it is not dangerous (ask any regular user who's been using it for decades) and can be used responsibly by adults just like alcohol is today, but it's FAR safer than alcohol. Instead of brain damage, damage to my kidneys and liver etc, I would prefer to inhale a mild herb for my relaxation. Why do you think we shouldn't have the right to choose the safer alternative?
Oh wait, you still think it's dangerous... right... well there's hundreds of studies that disagree with you on that one, including Nixon's Shafer commission from back in the 70's, one of the most comprehensive studies of it's time. The Shafer Commission was supposed to assess cannabis to determine it's level of danger to the public as part of the newly established Controlled Substances Act. After about two years of studies, they concluded that it was a harmless substance, especially compared to alcohol, and should be immediately removed from the controlled substances schedule and decriminalized. Yet, Nixon refused to accept their findings (just as you are now), and kept cannabis in the schedule 1 classification, which is reserved for only the most dangerous substances known to man.
Let me ask you a personal question, have you ever personally used cannabis? I'm willing to bet that you haven't. I'm also willing to bet you haven't taken the time to research the medicinal benefits along with any actual side effects. Otherwise, I don't think you'd be such a hard liner on this issue.
If you will watch the video, Dr. Russo discusses many of the studies that have been done over the years.
What I think is especially interesting and totally in-line with my personal research, experience and conclusions, is that cannabis use could actually BENEFIT society through preventative care.
Recent studies are uncovering how cannabinoids act in our bodies. First, you may be surprised to know, our bodies create nearly the exact same compounds found in cannabis; called cannabinoids. Recent studies on cannabinoids are discovering that the reason for the many medicinal benefits of cannabis, is that cannabinoids act as a regulator of our nervous system and inflammatory system as well as an apparent regulation of normal cell development that is attributed to it's ability to not only control, but also kill cancer cells while leaving the surrounding healthy cells intact.
So by the same mechanism that it is effective in treating many illnesses, it can actually PREVENT problems from developing in the first place. This is one of the primary reasons why I believe that cannabis should be legalized and regulated
- 3 years ago
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simplecj
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noxidereus
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simplecj:
Extremely well said cj. I couldn't agree with you more.
Even people who don't like the idea of marijuana, if they have even the slightest bit of intelligence or empathy, should agree that people who choose to enjoy marijuana don't deserve the types of punishments they currently get by our government. Whether or not one agrees with marijuana usage generally, and whether or not it should be legal are two completely separate questions that many ignorant people are unable to separate in their subfunctional brains. The former question is a question of worth, and the latter is a question of freedom.
It seems that the vast majority of people in the general public who are for marijuana prohibition, are uninformed and/or intelligently-challenged, or people who think that enjoying anything is a sin. I hate those kinds of people. Propaganda should never win out over unbiased facts.
- 3 years ago
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noxidereus
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NeverNude
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simplecj:
I recently heard that a study has found that canabis has been found to considerably shrink the size of lung tumors in lab rats. I could look up the study to give actual support and details, but Im just too damn lazy.
- 3 years ago
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NeverNude
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jeich55
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legalize this amazing herb that can do so much for the people in this country. dont punish people for using this harmless herb that relaxes and heals.
- 3 years ago
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jeich55
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simplecj
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We have the medical studies, we have the personal testimony, we have the failed Drug War and it's millions of victims and billions (if not trillions) of wasted dollars... when will we have enough evidence that cannabis prohibition is wrong and that taxing and regulating it REALLY IS the only rational answer??
- 3 years ago
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simplecj
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gr8james
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simplecj:
Word.
"Three point five million people voted. I have to say that there was one question that was voted on that ranked fairly high and that was whether legalizing marijuana would improve the economy -- (laughter)"
I ask: What does the laughter say about the President's audience? Uninformed perhaps.
- 3 years ago
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gr8james