to two eleven pm wrote on Jun 17, 2008 9:25 AM:
" Of course because that happened to someone you know, you are going to be passionate about it. But, I am sure parents who have lost children due to drunk drivers, etc., are just as passionate. My whole point is-as long as you mind your own business and don't violate the rights of others, you should be left alone. "
To Potheads wrote on Jun 17, 2008 9:23 AM:
" I do not allege marijuana is not harmful. I believe it is, which is why I Never even tried it. My point is it should be an individual choice that is none of the Governments business. "
Two solutions wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:51 PM:
" 1) Marijuana is illegal and those found in posession or processing it need to be prosecuted.
2) Marijuana is decriminalized in Alaska if you are growing a small number of plants for personal use. What you do in the privacy of your own home should be protected. Growing small amounts of marijuana for personal use should be allowed and personal use in ones home should be allowed full well knowing that if you're caught outside your home with the stuff or in posession of more than what's for personal use should be prosecuted.
3) The government should stop the unfruitful and costly "War" on marijuana by decriminalizing it, legalizing it, regulating it, and taxing it to levels that allow for the taxes to pay for the policing of marijuana laws and other drug laws. The same rules with No. 2 apply. You must buy it from a regulated government-licensed provider or grow it at home. Don't drive on it and don't have it in your posession in a vehicle or a place where it's improper to use.
Government needs to get past marijuana and go after cocaine, crack and heroin. Police need to be free of marijuana prosecutions and go after harder drugs. The time to end the disaster of marijuana incarcerations has come. Legalize it in some way and move on. Let law-abiding citizens deal with it within the framework of new laws. Let's empty our prisons of marijuana possession and distribution criminals. All the while, let's put harsher sentences on harder drugs. Save America the great marijuana quagmire. People will learn and our legal system will adjust.
These are just suggestions, but they seem prudent to me. "
Potheads wrote on Jun 16, 2008 5:41 PM:
" To those of you that think that marijuna use is NOT harmful, I won't waste my breath telling you all the reasons and give you the facts about why you're WRONG. I WILL ask you why, if it's so harmless, why are most of us non-users able to spot a long-term pot user a mile away. Whether you want to admit it or not, you have a certain "look" and "behavior traits" and they are NOT good ones. "
Intentionally Doing Something Harmful wrote on Jun 16, 2008 2:11 PM:
" For all those who say that marijuana is not harmful, you can tell that to my step-dad whose brother was stabbed to death by someone who was "on" nothing other than marijuana. What did he do wrong? He happened to be out in public minding his own business... and I don't want to hear how other drugs are "worse."
It doesn't get a whole lot worse than getting stabbed to death when doing nothing more than going out to buy groceries for your family. "
to nine twenty seven pm wrote on Jun 16, 2008 1:48 PM:
" By your logic, nothing would ever change. All of our laws would be constant. People would never voice an opinion, nor would there be need for a legislature. It's not a matter of rationalizing anything. Some things are just not any business of the Government. "
Who Are You People wrote on Jun 16, 2008 11:03 AM:
" Ah, the self serving idiots continue! I think they have a great idea. Effective tomorrow, we will all just obey the laws we like. If I like your car, I'm going to take it, if someone doesn't like the liberal garbage your spewing , they can punch you in the mouth. C'mon, nobody is really "hurt" if I take your car, and the hospital puts in stitches everyday.
Are you kidding me?
If a guy was selling crack in front of the WalMart, most of you hippies would be up in arms. What is the difference? And don't give us the old marijuana never hurt anyboby story.
You can find an idiot somewhere who thinks cocaine never hurt anyone.
If you think that some of this fellas "personal use" marijuana wouldn't make its way to somebody's kid, you're gravely mistaken.
Folks, here is what is headed for Viroqua: Burglaries, assaults, robberies, and yes, murders. Mark my words.
And do the police this favor, when that criminal is breaking into your house, don't call them, they've dealt with your dumb arse enough.
Good luck "
to just me wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:25 AM:
" actually...do the math...3.5% of mary jane users end up trying heroin. "
TO p.m. wrote on Jun 15, 2008 9:27 PM:
" ok.. so maybe the "cops" should just pick and choose what to enforce and what not to enforce.... that should make our society better .. along with so-called "independent thinkers" who would rather rationalize their behavior instead of admitting that what they do is destructive and harmful by trying to muddy the waters by comparing it to other harmful drugs that they think are worse. It's NOT working people. "
funny wrote on Jun 14, 2008 6:36 PM:
" funny, isn't it, that marijuana is not illegal in Germany (each of the 16 states has different laws). many of you referenced the nazis--not that present day germany is even close to what it was in the heyday of the national socialists..... "
To three twenty pm wrote on Jun 13, 2008 4:05 PM:
" No one is disputing that marijuana is illegal. Everyone knows it is illegal, or we wouldn't be having this discussion. The point the poster was making is that it shouldn't be illegal, and they put forth an argument explaining their position. I see nothing wrong with that. I guess whether the police should be criticized for enforcing unjust laws is a matter of opinion. The "I was just following orders" mantra doesn't cut it with me. We need more independent thinkers to affect change. "
Justme wrote on Jun 13, 2008 3:53 PM:
" No drug is harmless, including marijuana, and weve never said it is. But its also true that
independent scientific and government reviews have concluded that the health risks of marijuana are much lower than those of alcohol and tobacco, and that those risks dont justify arresting and jailing responsible, adult marijuana users. What prohibition has done is guarantee that society has no control over marijuana. Producers and sellers are unlicensed and completely unregulated. Unlike licensed businesses that sell liquor or tobacco, marijuana sellers operate virtually anywhere and have no incentive not to sell to children or teens. Prohibition guarantees that marijuana will not be inspected for purity or labeled for potency. And it ensures that the only people selling marijuana will be criminals. According to estimates by Harvard University economist Jeffrey Miron, replacing marijuana prohibition with a system of taxation and regulation would save between $10 billion and $14 billion per year in reduced government spending and increased tax revenues. Another researcher recently estimated that the revenue lost from our failure to tax the marijuana industry could be as high as $31 billion! "
Justme wrote on Jun 13, 2008 3:36 PM:
" Prohibitionists love to confuse correlation with causation in order to muddy the issue. Its not surprising that most hard drug users have used marijuana. People who are inclined to try drugs start with those that are the most common usually tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana. But the vast majority of marijuana users do not move on to use hard drugs. Nearly 100 million Americans have tried marijuana, and almost 15 million use it monthly, yet only 3.5 million have ever tried heroin, and only 136,000 use it monthly. Do the math: Of those who try marijuana, less than one percent 0.17% become regular heroin users! Not much of a gateway, huh? "
TO To Facts Not Fantasy wrote on Jun 13, 2008 3:20 PM:
" If you will actually read the postings in their entirety instead of trying to be argumentative, you might have seen where I stated, "if something impairs someone, it impairs someone," & also "impaired, intoxicated driving of ANY kind should not be tolerated."
You forget one major point. Alcohol is legal, as long as those consuming/buying it are legal age..and at least until someone drinks to excess, drives, or breaks another law, etc. while drinking. Marijuana possession is NOT legal, unless prescribed by a Dr. Until that changes, you can yell "hands off" like a little kid all you want, but it is STILL illegal. Someday it may be legal, but it sure isn't now. I may not agree with all of our laws, but I obey them and I sure don't think the police should be criticized because they're doing the job they are paid to do. Nor do I think someone who breaks the law should be held out to be some kind of "victim" when it is clear the intent was to intentionally break the law. Consequences are just that, consequences.
I've seen so much on this subject insinuating we're a "police state." I believe some of those saying that should actually live in another country for awhile. I'm pretty sure they would change their minds. "
To Facts not Fantasy wrote on Jun 13, 2008 11:20 AM:
" Can you honestly say that those who use alcohol NEVER leave their home, drive, interact with others, or affect others by their behavior? Unless you are asserting alcohol should be illegal, personal use or selling to others, your arguement doesn't work. You are being hypocritical. The simple solution is, once you violate others rights-no matter WHAT you are on-the Government should step in. Until that point-hands off. "
to who are these people wrote on Jun 13, 2008 11:05 AM:
" Thank you,glad to see theres still some sane people in this town. "
Facts Not Fantasy wrote on Jun 13, 2008 7:44 AM:
" Marijuana IS an illegal drug. It DOES impair people and it DOES affect judgement. If you question what long-term use does to people, then observe someone who has used it for extended periods of time. To those who say that its' use doesn't affect other people, can you honestly say that those who use it NEVER leave their own home, drive, interact with others that are affected by the crazy behavior of some users, etc.? Of course, intoxicated, impaired driving of ANY kind should not be tolerated, whether it is alcohol, illegal drugs or the wrong use of prescription drugs.
Trying to use the argument that other drugs are worse, means nothing. If something impairs someone, it impairs someone. There aren't "degrees" of injuring or killing someone because of what name the drug has. If you get behind the wheel of a car after using too much pot and cripple someone, they don't care what you used, just that you used and changed their life forever. In this particular case, it is pretty certain this was being grown for distribution, NOT for personal use. For those who feels like the person who had this "operation" looks "sad", he probably does. He stood to make a lot of money selling ILLEGAL drugs. "
Changes wrote on Jun 12, 2008 8:19 PM:
" Social change is inevitable, go with the changes or get caught in the quagmire, I see pot being legalized in my lifetime. "
To Who are you people wrote on Jun 12, 2008 2:18 PM:
" I, for one, am I Bible believing Christian who is anything but a liberal(I am actually a Libertarian) who is opposed to abortion because it violates the rights of the unborn, and who is fully aware that there is nothing in the Constitution that guarantees the right to not be offended by a symbol in a public park. Though I am far from perfect, one thing I haven't done is even try any type of illegal drug. Having said that, I believe the Government needs to take a "hands off" approach when it comes to personal choices, unless that choice violates the rights of another. I also don't believe that working to change laws you think are unjust is in any way anti-American. "
Mean no harm wrote on Jun 12, 2008 12:40 PM:
" TO TO wrong focus etc.
" So now a person who thinks that maybe we should be spending more time and effort helping our community get through all the problems that these floods are creating instead of taking all this time and effort to complain that someone breaking the law actually got in trouble for doing so; is "on something?" That's quite an interesting philosophy to have.... The law is the law. If you don't like it, get it changed. If you don't want to do that, then don't complain when people get in trouble for breaking it. It's as simple as that. "
we want to talk about the issues surrounding unfair pot laws, if you want to spend your valuable 10 minutes talking about the flooding go to those articles and discuss, I promise I will not bore you with my opinions regarding pot on a board sharing views on the flooding. How are you doing in setting up relief efforts for those suffering from the floods? You have no idea if any of us are involved in changing unfair pot laws so please don't assume we aren't. I am very involved. "
Who Are You People wrote on Jun 12, 2008 11:29 AM:
" When I moved from Viroqua many years ago, it was a town to be proud of. I always told folks that I would love to raise my kids in Viroqua. Hard work and family values were the norm.
Now it has become a quagmire of liberal, anti-government idiots who defend drug dealers and argue that they are bolstering the local economy. You people make me sick. You act as if you live in nazi Germany. If you can't handle the local situation, where the police do there jobs and enforce the law, Detroit has plenty of homes available. Crime is everywhere and dope dealers are plentiful, you all should fit right in.
Arrogance and ignorance are a frightening combination and Viroqua has become a scary place.
I wonder, how many of these fine citizens who are complaining about the government are sitting on their butts collecting a check from that same government? "
To To To Wrong focus wrote on Jun 12, 2008 9:15 AM:
" You assumed that everyone who thinks pot should be legal uses pot themselves. You said as much in your original post. Potheads smell like goats. Why would I want to smell like a goat? But, why would I care if someone else would want to? The Government shouldn't care either. It is simply none of their business. If you think discussing pot is a waste of time and want to focus on more important things, I offer this advice: Don't go on a comment board about pot. "
TO To Wrong Focus wrote on Jun 11, 2008 5:06 PM:
" So now a person who thinks that maybe we should be spending more time and effort helping our community get through all the problems that these floods are creating instead of taking all this time and effort to complain that someone breaking the law actually got in trouble for doing so; is "on something?" That's quite an interesting philosophy to have.... The law is the law. If you don't like it, get it changed. If you don't want to do that, then don't complain when people get in trouble for breaking it. It's as simple as that. "
To To Wrong Focus wrote on Jun 11, 2008 4:58 PM:
" Hit a nerve? "
Wishing no harm wrote on Jun 11, 2008 12:49 AM:
" On the front page of the La Crosse Trib. Hometown sect. Saturday, June 7th there is sad picture of Kraig and of the cops viewing his garden. Kraig grew his own weed, police had zero to no contact with him, his whole life til now. He never hurt anybody, he works hard, he lives a peaceful life. Why can't they just leave the peace-loving pot people alone? On the last page of that same section there is a small box that states "Accused" The second accused is a man from Sparta who is charged with his "fifth-or-subsequent-offense operating while intoxicated". How is that this man is allowed to freely drive while drunk "until caught" at least five times. How many times did he drive drunk before he was caught. Every time he drove while intoxicated he was a potential murderer, a dangerous weapon. How severe is his punishment? Will he lose everything he owns? go to prison, be labeled as a "menace to society"? No, he will eventually be available to attempt a sixth OWI. But it's ok getting drunk is legal. Catching a buzz in the comfort of your own home causing no harm isn't. Who would have the most to lose if it was? "
To Wrong Focus wrote on Jun 10, 2008 4:38 PM:
" False assumptions. I am one of those who think pot should be legal, but I have never even tried the stuff, and I think potheads smell like goats. Since this article is about pot, of course that is what the focus of the comments are going to be. What are you on, that caused you to post what you did? "
Wrong Focus wrote on Jun 10, 2008 1:19 PM:
" How sad it is that some people are spending more time and more effort commenting on their "right" to break the law and trying to convince others that because law enforcement officers are actually doing just that.. enforcing the law... that we are just one short step away from "a police state"...than on people losing their homes in this past week due to the storms. Apparently this "non-addictive, non-destructive drug that doesn't affect judgement," does. Maybe THAT'S why it's illegal.... and we thought it was just illegal because it increases crime, accidents...and spending money on what does not benefit... "
Heil to Thomas wrote on Jun 9, 2008 2:55 PM:
" Will they really stop there? If I comply with the conditions in my first post, as well as the conditions you laid out in your post, am I really safe from torment? How do I know they will be done? Do you really believe what you are saying? Maybe big brother will decide they don't like something I am doing. Or something you are doing. Be careful. "
Lynn wrote on Jun 9, 2008 2:01 PM:
" Why are we assuming this operation was for distribution? Perhaps they are not 'bar flies' and prefer to smoke up at home? In the privacy of their home! Not offending/harrassing anyone in the public! I agree with legalization of the gift GOD gave us! He didn't grow alcohol or meth or any other drug for that matter, just good ole maryjane. MAN chose to chemically alter any ingredient used in the above mentioned CHEMICALS! "
To Thomas wrote on Jun 9, 2008 11:39 AM:
" Your post is written flatulence. Of course it is an issue of personal freedom. The law restricts personal freedom in this area, even though the act in and of itself harms no one. What were YOU smoking when you posted this? "
Yeah Right wrote on Jun 8, 2008 10:45 PM:
" "They are courageously standing up to criticize the government's unconscionable war on marijuana-smokers because they know a travesty of justice when they see it. " - Just Thinking
I hardly consider an anonymous post to an online article a courageous stance. If you don''t like the law, stand up publicly to do what is necessary to change it. "
Just Thinking wrote on Jun 8, 2008 2:10 PM:
" In response to Thomas
Yes you are correct the evidence suggests that Mr. Hanson grew more plants than he would need for his own use. But is that a bad thing?
Millions of otherwise law-abiding U.S. citizens smoke pot. The vast majority do so in a responsible manner that results in no ill-effects to themselves or others, as did Mr. Hanson here.
All these peaceful citizens need to get their pot somewhere, don't they? Better they buy from a reputable home-grown source, boosting our local economy, than from foreign smugglers where their money will fuel a criminal economy based on violence and greed.
And Thomas, I need to tell you: Smoking marijuana does not lead to robbery, burglary, domestic violence or murder. I don't think you can point to any scientific evidence that would back up your statement.
If you look it up you will find that, in fact, alcohol is the drug most associated with violent crime. Anyone remember the Heisz cousins?
And yes Thomas, you are absolutely correct that Mr. Hanson violated the law. The problem is that the law is unjust. That is what all these fine people are trying to say in these posts.
They are courageously standing up to criticize the government's unconscionable war on marijuana-smokers because they know a travesty of justice when they see it. "
wippersnapper wrote on Jun 8, 2008 2:05 PM:
" Prescription drugs, smoking cigarettes, drinking, legalalized gambling, overeating, are also at the heart of many of society's woes.
>This is not an issue of personal freedom, THIS >IS AN ISSUE OF VIOLATING THE LAW!
Whaahh?
I'm not sure it's even possible to separate the law from personal freedoms and vise versa. "
Freedom LOL wrote on Jun 8, 2008 12:56 PM:
" Strange how the only person on that property with a gun is the cop taking this person's medical treatment. Marijuana will never be federally legalized because of the court system jobs and their need to take all your possessions, you can thank Regan for the war on drugs. Reality is we have way more serious problems in this country than a couple pot heads getting high at home. Guns and ammo don't provide peace, people due!! "
Thomas wrote on Jun 8, 2008 8:08 AM:
" In response to HEIL
They will come for you (and everyone else) when you are growing marijuana (or distributing heroin, ecstasy, hallucinogenic mushrooms or other hard drugs).
This was not a guy growing for personal use not that that is legal either).
Drugs (marijuana) are at the heart of many, many of societies woes, including burglaries, robberies, domestic violence and yes murder.
This is not an issue of personal freedom, THIS IS AN ISSUE OF VIOLATING THE LAW!
Take your pathetic argument and crawl back in your hole. "
Freedom LOL wrote on Jun 7, 2008 8:17 PM:
" A Personal grow operation for medical purposes is the most common reason for this type of act. Corporations can sell pharmaceutical prescriptions to patients in medical need, those "legal drugs" are safe (ha ha) that's why people in society break into stores and steal them!! I think it's time more states allowed for personal medical treatment, it's our body so let us chose what do due with it. This gentlemen did not hurt anyone in society, he chose to do this in the comfort of his home while minding his own business. One more thing, how can anyone trust the word of an informant when he is crawling out from his own rock. Hang in there bro, theres light at the end of the tunnel and you will prove to be a stronger person in the end because you chose to live up to your own actions. In fact more people should stand up for what they believe in , everyone now days is scared of their own reality. Crazy how this was right in their parking lot and not able to do their jobs properly, then again, we're all human and make mistakes. :)) "
Just Thinking wrote on Jun 7, 2008 7:03 PM:
" Hey, it's just a plant. The government should lay off of peaceful people who are minding their own business. Marijuana is less harmful than alcohol. Plus it doesn't lead to violence. It should be legal. "
John wrote on Jun 7, 2008 4:24 PM:
" Marijuana is too expensive for our justice system and should instead be taxed to support beneficial government programs. Law enforcement has more important responsibilities than arresting 750,000 individuals a year for marijuana possession, especially given the additional justice costs of disposing of each of these cases. Marijuana arrests make justice more expensive and less efficient in the United States, wasting jail space, clogging up court systems, and diverting time of police, attorneys, judges, and corrections officials away from violent crime, the sexual abuse of children, and terrorism. Furthermore, taxation of marijuana can provide needed and generous funding of many important criminal justice and social programs. "
Concerned Tax Payer wrote on Jun 7, 2008 10:59 AM:
" Oh great another waste of tax payers $$$$$!!!! Where I live the Police spend there time on better things, such as meth, crack, and Drunk drivers. "
Tree Hugger wrote on Jun 7, 2008 7:27 AM:
" Anyone know where I can get some weed? "
Herman the German wrote on Jun 6, 2008 3:34 PM:
" "This is a free country. You are free to do what we tell you to do." Signed, your Government. "
Heil wrote on Jun 6, 2008 3:16 PM:
" First they came for the 18-20 year old adult drinkers. I said nothing because I was 22 at the time. Then they came for the people who don't use their seatbelt. I said nothing because I always buckle up. Then they came for the business owners who choose to allow smoking in their business. I said nothing because I don't own a business. Then they came for the people who use marijuana. I said nothing because I don't use marijuana. It just occured to me: who will be here to speak up for me when they decide to come get me? "
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