--- Begin Message ---
-Caveat Lector-
Note: The official archive for protest reports is at Americans for Safe
Access http://www.safeaccessnow.org/newswire_detail.php?id=22 which has
archived reports and/or pictures from D.C.; Sacramento, Austin; Cleveland;
Springfield, Massachusets; Santa Ana; St Louis; San Antonio; Oakland and
Detroit posted as I send this.
The following are additional reports not yet posted at Americans for Safe
Access
D.C.
Kevin reports
I just got out of jail after many hours of "processing" and paying a $50
fine. We were charged with a minimal offense -- equivalent to loitering or
disturbing the peace. All ten of the civilly disobedient are well -- all of
our wrists hurt a bit from the plastic handcuffs -- but otherwise okay.
Kevin
You can view 147 photos of today's DC medical marijuana demonstration at
http://bigwood.biz/MPP-060602/index.htm
Realvideo at http://flow.mediavac.com/ramgen/sinkers/2002/dojJun0602.rm
Kevin Zeese will talk about the protest Friday at 1 p.m. Eastern, 12 noon
Central, 10 a.m. Pacific on the Cultural Baggage radio show on 90.1 FM in
Houston or over the 'net from http://www.kpft.org
--------------
Sacramento
A page with some pictures of the DEA Protest in Sacramento today:
http://www.hempusflag.com/News/June6Protest/june6protest.html
June 6, 2002 - The Sacramento Chapter of Americans for Safe Access was
among those gathered in front of the Sacramento DEA Office to deliver a
"Cease & Desist" Order and to protest recent actions against California
Cannabis clubs.
Amanda W. talks to the press. Steve K. is holding the prototype Global
Peace Zone Flag.
Easily 90% of the passing cars were honking their horns in support of
Medical Marijuana
In a remarkable show of solidarity, several Sacramento County Sheriff's
drove by in force, with lights off, in the farthest lane from the crowd,
and made a left turn AWAY from the protest. This was clearly a show of
support for local & states rights.
Meanwhile, the DEA office at 1860 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, California - WAS
CLOSED TODAY!
These armed guards were on hand to keep us safe from ourselves.
Nevertheless, one affected was patient was seen running with scissors anyway!
--------------
Northern California - from the Drug Policy Forum of California email list
http://www.drugsense.org/dpfca
Jun 6th - Northern Cal. saw spirited rallies against the DEA today. In SF,
scores of patients picketed the federal building. Sup. Mark Leno came to
voice his support. A group of protesters were arrested sitting in front of
the entrance but released without charges.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi sent a letter of support through her office in the
building: "I join today in opposing the recent actions of the DEA which
have made access to medicinal marijuana unavailable to people suffering
from serious illness... The findings of scientific research, the will of
the voters of the state of California and compassion for people with
serious illnesses all argue against the actions the DEA is taking."
In Oakland, a crowd of one hundred protesters shut down the entire federal
building to the public (employees were forced to use side
entrances). Cease & desist orders were prominently taped over the entrance
windows of the building. Don Duncan called the DEA office, which refused
to parley. Passing motorists, including an ambulance and fire truck,
honked their horns in support.
Santa Rosa, where the DEA recently raided the Aiko patients' co-operative,
was the scene of the largest protest. Some 300 demonstrators turned out,
and the federal building was closed to the public. Media showed up in
force. KSRO talk show host Pat Thurston joined five or six others to block
the doorway in civil disobedience. Police were highly cooperative, and no
one was arrested. The federal building was shut down to the public.
Assemblywoman Strom-Martin sent a representative in support.
In Sacramento, the DEA office was closed for the day. Passing motorists
honked their horns in support, while Sacramento County Sheriffs turned out
in force, but kept a respectful distance from the protesters. A page with
some pictures of the DEA Protest in Sacramento today:
http://www.hempusflag.com/News/June6Protest/june6protest.html
Dale Gieringer
--------------
Tampa - From the Florida Cannabis Action Network email list
http://www.jug-or-not.com/can/
Cannabis Action Network, November Coalition, Drug Policy Forum of Florida,
and UCF NORML stood strong in front of the DEA office. I saw a few new
faces who were excited to do what they could to stop this insane
War. Michael Palmieri, former director of F.O.R.M.L. and now local
producer on Hillsborough Public Access television, was there filming the
event. We spoke to the employees when they came out to stop arreasting
Americans. We stood out front of the DEA office and distributed
literature, collected information from people who stopped to talk, and
collected petition signatures. We stood on the corner of a very busy
intersection. Cathy Jordan, who has Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), was there
sitting strong with us bearing the afternoon sun. Eventually, Alvin, Jodi,
Mike P., and I went up to the DEA office to deliver our cease and desist
order to the head of this DEA branch. We videotaped police stopping to
talk to us and the conversation with the agent who would come out to speak
with us. We will provide a link to www.pot-tv.net when we get the video
footage edited and uploaded. The sound quality sucks, so i will need some
assistance from some new friends in Fort Lauderdale who specialize in sound.
I failed to mention i went to Fort Lauderdale Sunday and returned last
night. It was a "fact-finding mission." I met Kat, Brian, Anti-Barby
(wow), Don, and a few others (forgive me i am horrible with names). I think
Fort Lauderdale has potential to be a focal point in our movement. I think
they will be fun to get excited about this silly War.
People that showed up today bought t-shirts, raffle tickets, and nice
signs. We got their contact information and they will be receiving this
email as well. Welcome to CAN. Please let us know how we can more
effectively get the message out there.
anthony
--
More Tampa - From the Drug Policy Forum of Florida email list
http://www.drugsense.org/dpffl
Hi guys. We had an excellent event in Tampa this afternoon.
About 25-30 folks total, with UCF NORML out of Orlando chipping in.
The DEA office is almost right on the corner of a major freeway
intersection here. Traffic going eastbound comes whipping in off the
freeway at high speed to stop at a red light directly in front of us.
Traffic going west is getting ready to jump on same freeway, but also has
to respect the same controlled intersection.
This gave us time to give signage on both sides. Several thousand cars in
two hours. Directly across the street is one of Tampa's most high toned
shopping malls. That's where I stood as cars queued up to exit the mall.
We got great overall response from passing cars. We gave out a LOT of
brochures and cards to autos on both sides of street as they waited at red
lights and gave us thumbs up.
TWO POLICE encounters.
The first was general uniform patrol-dude, who slid up to on the eastbound
side and using his PA, told us we had to get off the medians and off the
grass(between sidewalk and street...about ten feet wide).
He then made the right turn off busy street and parked his patrol car so he
could get out and 'splain it to us. JODI JAMES and ANTHONY LORENZO dealt
with that. Jodi of course knows the ins and outs of this stuff, and
patiently listened to him misrepresent the laws about where we could stand.
Anthony was videotaping, which as usually happens, pissed the cop off. He
'warned' Anthony three times to stop filming, to which Anthony replied,
"I'm not filming you, I'm filming Jodi and you're standing next to her."
heh
We got a pretty good crowd out with a lot of good signs, and lots of
positive responses from cars driving by, sort of like the big vigil we had
in front of the Governor's mansion a couple of years ago in Austin. I guess
they were mainly Houston NORML members, although Frank Smith and also David
Hawes from over in Liberty County were both there too, as was Jerry, who
gave a good talk about his new booklet.
We may or may not get a story out of this in the Chronicle, but Mike Snyder
wants to do a feature article about the drug policy reform movement in
Houston as soon as he gets a bit more time, so that will serve the same
purpose that we had in mind for this event. All in all, i would say it was
worth doing.
Gotta go now and see if we got on TV. Hope someone in Dallas or Fort Worth
will let us know how thing went up there. Also we have to hear from San
Antonio.
Cheers / Al
--------------------
Gainesville, FL. - Report from http://www.ssdp.org/ email list
A small group of SSDP members and myself got to the unmarked office at
about 11:45 today. One member had already been inside the office about 10
years ago and gave us the layout of where to go. We made it up the stairs
to find a hall with cameras in either wall and the ceiling for about 70' to
the marked office door.
One member inconspicously carried a camera in a shoulder bag to prevent
planting of anything on us in a worst case scenario. We made it past the
first cryptolock door, which wasn't locked, into the reception area. The
reception area was about 8'x5' with pictures 8.5x11" glossy prints of 3
men: GW Bush, Asa Hutchinson and John Ashcroft. I held down my vomit long
enough to ring the bell, in front of the bulletproof glass, for the
receptionist.
I asked to talk to the superior agent on duty, and minute later he showed
up in a Miami vice style floral print. I delivered the letter and
explained that it was a cease and desist order to halt arrest of medical
marijuana patients. He looked puzzled, and said that his boss, Dick
Mackenetti, was at lunch. (Iroically, he was one of 3 gentlemen who held
the outside door for us as we came in just moments earlier.)
He offered to take my number and get back in touch with me, but I opted to
try back later. We exited the building then, being tailed by someone
hurrying down the stairs after us, and made it out the front door before he
reached the building lobby and eyeballed us out. I've tried to phone the
Agent in charge from payphones twice since then, and he's been in meetings
both times. I'll continue to follow up tomorrow.
Hope things went smoothly elsewhere, but I'm looking forward to hearing how
other offices reacted.
Heath Wintz, UF SSDP
-----------
Austin - From http://www.dpft.org/ email list
Hey Everybody,
We had a successful time at the DEA's outpost here in Austin. In solidarity
with approximately 60 cities, (at last count), we held a press conference
calling for the DEA to back off raiding the medical cannabis clubs that
service the sick and vulnerable in those states that have legalized the
medicine for pts.
The TV and radio press were very interested and all local channels came
out. Tracey Hayes, who is the co-ordinator for Austin's Safe Access chapter
in Austin, did a great job and also did two live radio interviews, one from
Dallas, and KLBJ AM in Austin. KTRH news radio from Houston was at the
press conference.
KVUE TV said with us and we all tried to go up and see the DEA to talk to
them and explain our concerns as well as to hand them our Truce Statement.
Though the DEA men were there, they wouldn't answer the buzzer placed in
the lobby, and there was no way to even get to their front door.
Our tax money apparently pays for them to have an office that is totally
inaccessible to the public. The property manager, who was there told us he
hasn't even been to the third floor, where the DEA office is. The elevator
only goes to the 2nd and the same for the stairs. The same property manager
kindly said he would see that the DEA got our Truce paper.
On the way out of the building we could see someone from the DEA standing
on the framed clouded glass that is the 3rd floor. We couldn't really see
in, but they were looking down at us and I'm sure could see out.
As part of this action, a billboard was made on N. 183 just off Highway 71
by the airport, which says - Arrest Pain, Not Pts. and their Caregivers and
Safe Access to Medical Marijuana.
Also another group, who hasn't claimed responsibility, put up a banner on
the Zilker Park moontower, which says MEDICINE with cannabis leafs on it.
Watch your local TV news tonight and I'd appreciate hearing some feed back
from anybody you sees something.
Thanks.
Best,
Karen
www.dpft.org/austin
-----------------------------
San Francisco
Went to the S.F. protest today. Good stuff, with probably around 100
protestors all told, including the eight who chose to be arrested. (They
were released within the hour.)
Just out of curiosity, can anyone tell me what kind of sentence/fine is
typically handed down on a charge like this?
Ethan
-------------------------
Detroit - from the email list of the Drug Policy Forum of
Michigan http://www.drugsense.org/dpfmi
We protested the Detroit DEA Office & Federal Building (they're next to
each other) during lunchtime. There were agents/officers outside waiting
for us when we arrived. We held signs and distributed 3 of the ASA fliers
with a quote from Francis L. Young, DEA Judge, on the back, as well as the
flier with John Ashcroft's face, distributed at the NORML 2002
Conference. The G-men told us they were expecting a crowd of 70-80 people,
which is cool as there were only going to be a few of us in the
beginning. There were around 15 of us in attendance. The day was peaceful
with stimulating conversation and fun.
My friend, Donna, and I went for the old adage "skin to win." We wore white
vinyl naughty nurse dresses with a marijuana leaf drawn on the back. We
received all kinds of positive feedback and confirmation;) When we were
going to leave we said our farewells to the DEA agents, who in turn asked
us to stay. The outfits also made it very easy to get on a popular local
radio talk show before the protest to plug it on the air. They were on
location at a busy restaurant, Hockeytown Cafe (prepping for the Red Wings
game tonight). In effect, the issue was raised to the patrons of the Cafe,
too. We received good press there:) As far as other media, one local TV
station drove by twice and honked once, but that's it.
We had interesting conversations with some of the DEA men. Donna asked one
what he thought of medical marijuana. He replied, "Well, I've never really
given it much thought." I thought that was disturbing since the issue is
linked to his job and especially the DEA. I wonder how many people never
give much thought to their job or life, never consider the impact of their
actions or nonactions. The agent wasn't a puppet or an ego with an
attitude. He seemed to be a man, who likely has a family, going through
the motions of life in America. We even philosophized a bit on life and
the way we live as a society. He listened to what we had to say and seemed
to give it some consideration. What could he or any of them say anyway? We
have truth on our side. History is on our side. In the end, I determined
he was a good man, just doing his job. Blinded by all the noise and
smokescreen. When I thanked him for speaking with me he said, "Likewise. I
enjoyed it." I truly believe if we can get the information out there, there
are enough free thinkers to change the world.
As we walked back to my car, I noticed a man (not a construction worker)
staring down at us from a lift of sorts, between the Federal Building and
the DEA Office. Our presence was definitely noticed. I'm sure we were the
talk of the water cooler and smoke breaks.
Peace:)
Amanda Brazel
& Donna Paridee
-----------------
Chicago - from http://www.cannabisnews.com/
ILLINOIS-NORML had a well organized protest and gathering right across from
the federal building, on the post office plaza today. Windy City Hemp
Development Board assisted in making a display of persons "MIA"
(incarcerated) through the drug war, which always has good visual affect to
the passersby. As always, a few Chicago Police Officers were assigned to
the detail, but here in Chicago, the police department is always too
cordial and cooperative to provoke any heated or violent confrontation
(sort of like a Republican Party convention or something). I, for one, as a
medical marijuana activist and outspoken supporter and crusader for use of
the Illinois "Research on Cannabis Act" (720 ILCS 550, section 11), the
country's BEST KNOWN MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAW ON THE BOOKS, BEST SINCE 1979,
no less!, have found that the police officers and other law enforcement
people I have spoken with on this issue (some 400 so far), in Illinois,
have always been guardedly supportive and noncombative on the issue. These
people in blue in this state almost seem to want something to happen to
change the drug war, as they all know that marijuana usage does not cause
people to get violent, but they also are desperately concerned to not let
this "drug" fall into the hands of kids, and to cause kids to cascade into
the life of crime that is associated with the harsher drugs, or the drug trade.
I have come to appreciate every contact that I can have with local police
officers, all of whom (so far) have been receptive to talking about these
issues. Of course, I have never been a trafficer or a "king pin" and they
all wish to concentrate their efforts towards interdicting those types of
individuals (appropriately enough). When I started my own advocacy efforts
a year ago, no one in this City or State even knew we had such a quality
statute. Recently, thanks to Steve Young, writer of "Maximizing Harm-Losers
and Winners in the Drug War" [ http://www.maximizingharm.com/ ], I have a
letter from a state senator stating that, in fact, Illinois does have a
medical marijuana law! I would like to think that thanks to the efforts of
Illinois-Norml, Windy City & myself, this message is finally getting to the
people of this state.
We all await the 9th Circuit's decision regarding the DEA's threats of
licensure seizure where doctors even discuss these things with their
patients. The recent federal judge's opinion (from Oregon) that John
Ashcroft cannot impede the physician-patient relationship to abrogate the
assisted suicide law of Oregon is a major plus for this anticipated ruling!
Once that comes down, I will redouble my efforts to enlist local doctors to
join my class action lawsuit against the state of Illinois to force them to
set up a program mandated by our 30 year old law (NEVER BEEN TESTED IN
COURT!). Then, of course, I may even get my law license back, which the
Illinois Supreme Court took away due to the FALSE PLEADINGS FILED BY THE
LOCAL LAWYER POLICE! Please visit my web site to read some of the articles
I have published and distributed to various law enforcement agencies, etc.
I will give updates with my own situation from time to time, etc. Ethan
Russo, well done in your research, advocacy, leadership and compassion.
Paul Peterson
http://ILLINOIS-MMI.org
-----------------
Columbus
From the email list of the Ohio Patient Network http://www.ohiopatient.net/
Friends,
Tonight, Channel 6 (WSYX-TV ABC)/Fox 28 in Columbus ran segments on medical
marijuana both during its early evening and 11:00 news shows, which were,
well..... superb!! Ken Schweickart, Democratic Party candidate for the Ohio
House of Representatives District 22 seat and Director of Development for
the Ohio Patient Network, called a news conference at 1:30 at the Columbus
Public Library on North High Street. Present to represent medical marijuana
were Ken, a Tourette Syndrome patient who utilizes cannabis as medicine,
and I as the author of "The People Have Spoken: Medical Marijuana Polling
1996-2002." http://www.ohiopatient.net/Poll_Analysis.htm
Before I go any further, let me set the stage. General Norman Schwartzkoff
spoke tonight at a very patriotic affair in downtown Columbus, which
naturally was getting a great deal of press, both in news segments and
advertising. With this picture in mind, around 5:45 on Fox 28, after one of
the advertising breaks for this event came our segment on medical
marijuana. They first mentioned the National Day of Direct Action, then
moved to an interview with Ken. Next thing I know, the camera is featuring
me saying that <legalizing medical marijuana> is "good for Ohio and good
for America." Naturally, I'm wearing a white shirt with a blue blazer with
reddish buttons! The segment goes on to interview the patient who swears he
owes his life to medicinal pot. Finally, the Communication Director for the
Ohio Department of Drug and Alcohol Addiction Services, Stacy Fronaple, is
interviewed equating marijuana with aspirin and fearing that, if legalized,
marijuana will wind up in the medicine cabinet of every teenager in
America. The segment ended almost hoping that the Tourette Syndrome patient
would have legal access to marijuana. It was fantastic. We taped the
program in all time slots and hope to make copies.
I think the 6:00 segment on Channel 6 was similar to the 5:30 one on Fox.
However, the segment at 11:00 had Fronaple going first followed by Ken.
Fox, I believe, also carried the segment at 10:45, although I don't know
which version it featured. Will view the tape tomorrow. Nonetheless, four
segments on the news tonight about medical marijuana with positive, if not
superb, spin and of course, the commensurate dollars in advertising value
for both Ken and reform.
I'm so proud of everyone.
mj
----------
2 photos from the Los Angeles protest are at
http://www.mapinc.org/temp/6-6-02atDEA-221).jpg &
http://www.mapinc.org/temp/6-6-02atDEA-9.JPG
---------
Reuters has moved this story about the action "Medical Marijuana Backers
Stage Protests Across US" http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02.n1050.a01.html
Please help us with a part of the after action analysis:
The stories in the press, mainstream or alternative, are a part of how
success of any action is measured. Please help us by newshawking those
stories you become aware of. Instructions are at http://www.mapinc.org/hawk.htm
Thank You!
<A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/";>www.ctrl.org</A>
DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER
==========
CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic
screeds are unwelcomed. Substance�not soap-boxing�please! These are
sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'�with its many half-truths, mis-
directions and outright frauds�is used politically by different groups with
major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought.
That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and
always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no
credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply.
Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector.
========================================================================
Archives Available at:
http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html
<A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html";>Archives of
[EMAIL PROTECTED]</A>
http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/
<A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/";>ctrl</A>
========================================================================
To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email:
SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email:
SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Om
--- End Message ---
