The Silent, Colossal, National Lie (or, How I Spent My Summer Vacation)
I’ve been absent from this blog for a couple weeks, taking a much needed vacation and trying my best not to think about marijuana policy. While away, I did what I usually do when I need to clear my head: I read some Mark Twain — in this case a collection of his topical writings, some too incendiary to be published during his lifetime.
And Twain, damn him, got me thinking about marijuana policy.
In a piece called “Corn-Pone Opinions,” first published 13 years after his death, Twain observes, “I am persuaded that a coldly thought-out and independent verdict on a fashion in clothes, or manners, or literature, or politics, or religion, or any other matter that is projected onto the field of our notice and interest, is a most rare thing — if it has indeed ever existed. … we shall merely conform and let it go at that. We get our notions and habits and opinions from outside influences.”
Twain’s essay was written many decades before public opinion polling showed that, once the results of an election are known, a far higher percentage will say they voted for the winning candidate than actually did so. As a race, we like to follow the pack and not stray too far from what we believe our friends and neighbors think.
And that tendency is what makes possible what Twain calls in another essay “the silent and colossal national lie that is the support and confederate of all the tyrannies and shams and inequalities and unfairnesses …” Such lies, he explains, are rooted not in what is said, but what is unsaid — by, for example, the millions of Americans who, when Twain was a child, knew slavery was wrong but said nothing. By silently acquiescing to what they thought was the majority sentiment so as not to stand out from their neighbors, they enabled a massive evil to be perpetuated for decades.
And so it is with our war on marijuana, an evil that persists because most of us silently go along with the colossal, national lie that the criminalization of tens of millions of our fellow citizens — and the arrest of over four-fifths of a million of them each year — is accomplishing something worthwhile rather than spreading injustice through every facet of society.
The answer — the only answer — is to break the silence. End the lies — and not just on this blog or drug policy listserves or other forums for the converted. We need to speak up at every opportunity — at work, at PTA meetings, at the barbershop, with friends and neighbors and co-workers. Even when it’s awkward. Especially when it’s awkward.
So how was your summer vacation?
38 comments
My summer vacation has been very productive. I read and post all about cannabis reform anytime that I can on my Facebook wall. I also participate ‘digging up’ stories related to cannabis reform on Digg. I began educating myself on cannabis – it’s history and it’s current legality – at the beginning of this year though I’ve been using cannabis since September 2005. I was very surprised and shocked about what I had learned – the failures and wasted the War on Drugs – and how it hurts our families and citizens -, the lies told by the Drug Czar (both current and past), the special interests groups and lobbyists (Big Pharma, Big Tobacco/Alcohol, Privatized Prison Industrial Complex) that keep cannabis reform from moving forward, and how cannabis is not only a useful product (hemp in particular) but how it is necessary for medical use and medical research.
I do enjoy going out with friends, to the beach, the movies, etc but I feel this summer has been the most productive that I’ve ever had in my life. I got involved by donating to groups fighting to create change in our current drug policies. I post articles, research papers on my Facebook in hopes that my friends will be curious enough to read through them. I talk to my roommates about the subject all the time and even they started to see the big picture and agree.
I’m leaving soon for boot camp and AIT next week and I do not regret the countless hours spent on this subject. When I come back next fall, I will continue the good fight. I plan to continue spreading the word and educating others so that they too are no longer fooled or accept the status-quo. Thanks for asking, Bruce.
Proud MPP lifetime member, adle1984.
So how was my summer vacation? Perspectives on the progress of legalizing MMJ have been nothing less than exilerating, exciting and full of promise for the coming season. I have three jobs two of which are my own businesses. The third is being a Swing Manager for McDonald’s. I found that Mr. Bruce Mirken’s suggestions for me to be a voice in times of unrest in marijuana policy to be extremely valuable as I chatted daily with various groups who visit McDonald’s everyday here in Cookeville, TN. The old timers group, veterans, business owners, etc., they all had the same answer to my question, “If given the opportunity to use medical marijuana, would you use it if you knew it would save your life against things like cancer and at the very least give comfort to you physically & mentally?” The resounding same answer of, “YES,” came from everyone! My town has a population of about 30,000, everyone knows you if you work at McDonald’s being in the public eye all day everyday. So where’s all the support for marijuana reform, I wondered? It would appear that many people are not willing to openly support what my Senator calls, “The very controversial issue of marijuana!”
I’ve been an MJ acitivist for eighteen months now and nothing has changed as a result of my being a voice for MJ legalization with the acception that the community is now more aware and educated on MJ issues than they were a year and a half ago.
Starting in September I plan to have a monthly public seminar on Medicinal Marijuana uses by using the data collected from patients. Forget the opponents, they’ve made their choice. The idea is to help those who can be saved and comforted using MJ.
Now, how’s that for rounding out the Summer and swinging right into Fall with marijuana legislative efforts? Onward, upward, progress!
summer vacation? LOL…i wish i got a vacation! it really sucks working for a living and having an ass for a boss…..sad thing is, I know he smokes, and that could be the best way for me to mellow the relationship, but since good ol’ uncle sam says its still illegal, and I cant risk my job. yeah, i need a vacation!
That is so true.
We live in a remote area within a small civilian / military community with approximately 300 people. It would be suicide, so to speak, to even bring up the subject; although I did mention it casually to a neighbor that’s moving and he agreed with me.
My greatest participation is supporting MMP with donations, something that wouldn’t be possible if my husband lost his job.
There are other things in the works for me, first to get all the medical information necessary to qualify for medical marijuana and then to help Utah become the next state that legalizes medical marijuana. From that last vantage point then we can move forward with greater flexibility.
Until then, please continue the fight MMP and keep me educated and informed.
JJ ..we all need a vacation from our leaders B.S. I think this nation would be much better off if politics and politicians took a back seat and just done their job for once without stickin their noses into our lives.
How was my summer vacation, same as always, work work work, I talk to as many as possible about cannabis. Love seeing eyes open or see people squirm.
Keep on keepin on.
Summer vacation. Ha HaHa! If you call being raided and everything related to marijuana taken with no warrant a vacation, yea I had a summer vacation. I was vacated from my belongings. I was vacated from my medicine. Now it comes out that that piece of shit in the white house is making deals with the big Rx. Where is the AMERICA that our fathers fought for in the beginning, it is gone by way of big money, big Rx. companies and now we are becomming socialist. JUST LIKE RUSSIA. I sent an e-mail directly to the white house today about this and if I get a reply i will post the answer.
6 R.O.E. and 2 Rick Seymore
Have you been following the idea of the “Green Door” Movement…or…quasi physical presence movement for medicinal cannabis. The idea is simple enough. We simply wear a plain hunter green polo shirt all the time…until someone asks “What’s with the green polo shirt”…then the expaination. Tennessee and Iowa would be well represented if you joined us. Any other states that liked this movement could join us too. NeuroGenesis1:29 has offered the lyrics to the song “Behind the Green Door.”
Sorry for putting MMP, it should have read MPP.
Plus, there are people I talk to whenever possible.
Interesting tid bit, we have a cop in the next town closest to us that’s allergic to marijuana. It’s real funny to them, not so funny to the poor soul that gets pulled over and has something with them.
This summer I convienced a few non believers that the “weed” is ok.
The TV interviews sparked a few debates with some good ole southern folks, whose only rebuttal to why people should not smoke it is ” well, it illegal”.
The modern day booklegger comment made me reflect on my grandmother once telling me that she made bath tub gin in the 30s.
Taxing the product made the anti tax, tea baggers want to join in on the fight. I love their response when i ask them what about legallization, “Won’t treatment of all those potheads cost more, than the War on Drugs?” I tell them it is cheaper than Big Pharm.
And as a scientist, i love reading lies, scientific bias, and faulty research preached to us by a govt.
I also research jury nullifaction and have been summons to federal court for duty. I hope to serve my county well.
I write a local blog on my local paper’s web site. sometimes it gets printed in the paper. I have an idea of something we all can do . Everytime you write a congressman or the President add this sentence to your letter–
If there is no progress on marijuana law reform at the federal level I do not think I will be able to in 2012.
That ought to get somebodys attention. We shouldn’t wait till 2013 and hope that MAYBE the President will help our cause. I explain my reasons in my latest post below-
Fool Me Once Shame, On You. Fool Me Twice, Shame On Me!
President Obama tried to finesse the drug reform community by appointing as his Drug Czar Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske the former chief of the Seattle Police during the time when reform of local marijuana laws was taking place there. Not six months into his tenure as Drug Czar and Mr. Kerlikowske issued these statements, “ Marijuana is dangerous and has no medical benefit”, and “legalization is not in the Presidents vocabulary”. For the second time the President has dissed the reform community.
The first time was at the online town hall meeting when he made a joke about the reworded most asked question. He said he didn’t think legalization was a good idea, ha , ha!!. Here with Kerlikowske the President has done it again. A move designed to ’ keep us happy ’, has again exposed the presidents true colors.
We should not allow it to happen again. The President expects us to hang in there until he is reelected and then supposedly he will support reform in his second term. Don’t believe it for a second! After his reelection he will be worried about his legacy and we will have been dissed again.
At 871,000 arrests per year 2,613,000 citizens will be arrested during the rest of his first term, By the end of his second, 6,097,000 will have had their lives ruined and still no relief in sight!
We should not sit idly by and let this happen. Everyone of us should write the President and inform him that if there is no significant progress on federal marijuana law reform during his first term we will not be able to provide support for his second term in the form of either votes or money. This needs to be done in a coordinated manner so the full weight of the reform community can be brought to bear on the President.
The old saw is ‘ Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me! We should not wait till we are fooled a third time.
the post link is- http://tinyurl.com/krpvhd
oops! the sentence is– If there is no siginificant progress on marijuana law reform at the federal level, I will not be able to support you with either votes or money in 2012
Hummm… Manford…
Think I will go buy a few green shirts!
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Manford Mantis #8,
Sounds great, I’m for the smart thing in any situation everytime! Simple, direct, short delivery of your messages and if it’s working for you it’s got to work for us too. You don’t have a link for me to follow up with so click on mine and let’s make it happen captian!
Exactely what I preach to my friends and family. It was submission and trust that got us into this mess by our great grandparents not taking a stand against the marihuana menace and the uniform narcotics acts.
Even today many people want it legalized but simply do not care enough to take a vocal stand.
Which is sad because they are being played like stool pigeons and their wallets emptied before they even place money inside them
Best MPP blog post. Ever.
We need to speak up at every opportunity — at work, at PTA meetings, at the barbershop, with friends and neighbors and co-workers. Even when it’s awkward. Especially when it’s awkward.
Despise the shame!
A series of essays saying just that. Only one essay so far.
I wear my LEAP t-shirt nearly every time I go out. I am certain that well over 80% of the people where I live are in favor of ending—at least—marijuana prohibition. But due to the anger against authority where I live, as soon as people see the police-like badge on the front of the shirt, they scowl at me, and show me a very disapproving face.
But that don’t stop me from wearing it! At least some of the people see the back of the shirt!
Despise the shame! Stand up for what you know is right.
I love corn pone opinions! that was my favorite essay from my english class! mark twain is the shit! haha
John @ # 7:
Sorry to hear that man. Just know there are a great many of us out here doing everything we as AMERICANS can do to change this country, not only on the cannabis front ,but, on all fronts. American needs a good house cleaning,I think its coming, just turn on the news and see the outrage building. Its not fake or organized. Its real people.
Manford:
I went and bought a shirt with a big green cannabis leaf with a U.S.D.A. seal on it. I’m not afraid to wear it since I dont smoke ,let them stop me or search my house. I wish’em luck. I’m sure I’ll get many looks and questions.
19 R.O.E
19 R.O.E.
I really think we have hit on something here. That something is a national movement to legalize medicinal cannabis in all 50 states. “The Green Door Movement” seems to attract excitement. So let’s go Hollywood. Maybe I should get my domain up again. More to come.
Wonderful post as usual, Bruce. The only thing I would touch on in the way of disagreement (and this purely to satisfy my own opinions) is the idea that “we as a race” are this way–this fearful, lie-tolerant herd. Not to point any fingers here, but it seems to me that this is a mark of all those cultures that can trace their lineage to the psychically constipated Victorian era, or something like it. Many crimes have been committed in the name of “decency” and “piety,” wouldn’t you agree?
Lately I’ve been overwhelmed by the observation that the “current” War on Drugs is nothing but an extension of the Holy Office’s ravaging of the native cultures of the New World, members of which were asked “Have you eaten of the mushrooms?” after “Have you committed murder?” Sounds rather familiar to me.
And smacks of Genesis, to my ears: “Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldst not eat?”
A jealous god, indeed.
Welcome back. Twain is also a personal hero of mine.
The only trouble with speaking up for many of us is the fear of arrest, job loss, and consequences to our children and families. It is a Catch-22. How many of those 4/5M were ratted out by their neighbors/coworkers/family? I don’t disagree with you at all, but we must choose our audiences carefully lest we become another casualty of this national lie.
One way of fighting this without fear of arrest is to obstain from using cannabis. I dont use cannabis and will not til its legal.
My summer vacation has been full of work, actual vacations at my cottage and my political activism toward marijuana legalization and regulation.
Bruce, you probably encounter this… but everywhere I talk about marijuana legalization, people call me a “stoner,” “pothead,” “hippie,” “braindead loser,” or a combination of those. I can’t get through to people because they only think that I’m trying to legalize marijuana for myself and not trying to help others have a better way of life.
It’s a HUGE obstacle, and I do my best but sometimes people won’t listen because they have a prejudice towards anyone associated with the idea of marijuana.
Bruce, is there any way that I can get past this? Do you have any suggestions? How do YOU deal with people who accuse you of this?
23 R.O.E.
Your’e a wise person, and I appluade you for your stance on what is right in your own soul. They can’t take your soul away from you. Believe me when I say, I know the tenacity of an Iowa farm boy. I’m real enthused about your acceptance of the “GREEN DOOR MOVEMENT.”
There’s already a 85% acceptance to the cause, so it’s just a matter of educating the 5% that would like to know better…but can’t get the true skinny.
What happen to the 10% you ask. 10% is a trash percentage. It doesn’t mean anything to anyone. It’s insignificant…and…I’m truly sorry to say that because those are real people with a soul too.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this, Bear, but here are 2 that I use:
1) Point out the campaign to repeal Prohibition of alcohol was led by mothers — not because they wanted their kids to drink, but because they didn’t want their kids caught in the crossfire of the crime and violence that Prohibition caused.
2) Explain that prohibition causes the most harm to people who don’t use marijuana, by handing the market for a very popular product (used by over 100 million Americans) to criminals and gangs — who obey no rules, pay no taxes, and answer to no one. Ask your friends this: If you think marijuana is bad, why do you want to keep it completely unregulated?
You’ll be glad to know that I did indeed spend my summer vacation educating anyone who would listen (and more than a few who didn’t want to listen) on marijuana law reform. I spent 6 weeks in my native Ohio with family and friends and was very dismayed at the complacency about the subject. Needless to say, by the time I returned to Texas, I had alot of people thinking about what they thought was a lost cause…
I already wear pro marijuana shirts everywhere and every day. Maybe I will wear them to every court appearence.
R.O.E. #23 – “One way of fighting this without fear of arrest is to obstain from using cannabis. I dont use cannabis and will not til its legal”.
Me too, heavy, heavy sigh …….
And your bong is terrific ……
Bruce, once again you have come to the rescue. Thank you so incredibly much.
R.O.E. 23 and Lea 29-
A brave stance, denying yourself so that you may better serve others.
There will be a lot of different versions of “legalized” explored as this discussion goes forward, and with that in mind I’m interested in any feedback anyone might offer on my favorite, a Personal Use and Cultivation permit, let’s say $100 per year for a permit to grow a dozen plants. Split the proceeds between the Federal government and the State(s) that participate in the program.
It kills the profit incentive for the drug cartels, keeps Big Tobacco out of the picture, and connects marijuana use to the public treasury in a positive way (just like taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and most other products in America).
Is this a plan that people can get behind? What would make it better? All comments welcome!
All obama has to do is force the dept of health and human services to implement the petition to reschedule marijuana from schedule one to schedule three. He can do it with the stroke of a pen. Suddenly doctors can perscribe marijuana. after that the whole house of prohibition should come tumbling down.
HHS has had the petition since 2004. There is no excuse for delay other than the ideology of prohibition. We should force Obama’s hand. Is his Administration based on logic and science or isn’t it? His response will tell the tail.
The active ingredient thc is listed as schedule 3. The whole plant is listed as schedule 1. This is ridiculus! That is like saying the alcohol in whiskey is safe for a doctor to perscribe but the color and water are too dangerous to use for any reason. Science- Idon’t think so!
31 Conservative Christian
Re: Personal Use Cultivation Permit
In California your Personal Use Cultivation Permit is you Physician’s Recommendation. You can either grow your own, or join a collective/cooperative…the only two recognizable entities in the state.
Lea or #5 comment if you prefer.
Utah? legalized MJ??
are you shittin me?!
Even if Obama said OK its legal, states can choose, no more federal interference, Utah would be increase penalties.
I can not see this ever happening in Utah.
I am all for it, I do speak out for it, and would love to see this happen.
Tell me,
what are you doing? how do you hope to bring this about in such a controlled conservative state?
More importantly, what can I do to help?
No idea where you live in utah, but Im about 30 minutes west of Salt Lake City.
The fact that the chances are worse than a snowballs chances in hell, do not make it a cause not worth championing.
Actually Lea, I can narrow down to very few places where you live.
Tha military vs civilian ratio does that for me.
My number one guess is that your about 40 minutes west of me.
If you got a plan, I am in.
Here is some encouraging informatin concerning marijuana’s medical effacy, from http://www.cannabis-med.org:
***Science: Inflammation of the brainResearchers of Temple University in Philadelphia, USA, demonstrated in experiments with nerve cells that activation of the CB1 receptor reduces the concentration of the pro-inflammatory substance tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and may protect nerve cells from inflammation following injury or during neurodegenerative diseases. (Source: Zhao P, et al. Neuropharmacology. 2009 Aug 3. [Electronic publication ahead of print])
Manny, if I get a settlement, I will certainly donate to “The Green Door Movement!”
…they just can’t take it can they? …the Truth.
Hi Lea and GRVTYKLLR my co-Utahns and inerested co-readers.
I think You both live in Tooele County and Dugway Proving Ground. Dugway was my immediate job out of high-school as a clerk-stenographer.
My friend and I smoked a time or two way back then in 1973, yep, right there on the federal base. . . . . . tee-hee…I can remember being kind of spacey but I still did my job just fine.
I was just wondering what Your opinions are about the massive Utah crops’ of pot year after year.
Ophir Canyon $3M then LOL Garfield County with not one but two $6M crops a week apart from each other and not only that fact – about a mile apart from each other this past August.
Where were the helicopters like Chopper Five for the local news and the D.E.A. scoping it out?
How do a couple of dusty individuals run away all of the time escaping Utah’s Death Penalty for such a crime?
How does anyone accumulate so many seeds? It seems to me like there would have to be alot of huge gunny-sacks o’ seeds coming from somewhere, someway, huh.
KSL.com had some awesome comments from Salt Lake peeps and right there demonstrates the Truth about the matter.
Weed is and always has been and always will be around would You agree? This ancient and sacred seed will never be eradicated from this green earth so when will Uncle Sam realize the mistaken identity of this so-called war on drugs.
I’m sure glad Oregon is on the move and the rest of Great Americans such as You Lea and You GRVTYKLLR (cute)!
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