ACLU sponsored event at the Capitol Theater in Olympia, Washington to discuss the decriminalization and legalization of possession of small amounts, and sale, of Marijuana, also known as Cannabis.

Alison Holcomb of the ACLU facilitated the discussion between Rick Steves, and three legislators who are the sponsors of bills relating to this issue. The legislators were Representative Brendan Williams 22nd Legislative District, and Representative Mary Helen Roberts 21st Legislative District, and Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, 36th Legislative District.

more info: ACLU Presents Public Forum in Olympia on “Marijuana: It’s Time for a Conversation”

The presentation highlighted the concept of marijuana's illegality as a serious harmful social injustice.

Here's what I think after hearing the conversation at the event:

When society lies to young people and tells them that marijuana is a harmful monster, it does damage. When society lies to us, then we lose trust in and respect for society.

Marijuana/Cannabis does not drive people to madness or insanity.

It's the insanity of this profit system that is causing all of the violence. It ought to be plain for people to see that the profit system is NOT working. (Unfortunately it's not clear for people to see, because of the workings of the unjust status quo - the dominance paradigm - and the corporate controlled media that feeds into and off of it.)

ACLU Presents Public Forum in Olympia on “Marijuana: It’s Time for a Conversation” January 12, 2010

Event Comes as Legislature Considers Bills to Reform Marijuana Laws

OLYMPIA – The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington will host a public forum featuring its award-winning video "Marijuana: It's Time for a Conversation” on Tuesday, January 12th at 6:30 p.m. at the Capitol Theater. Admission to the event is free.

Hosted by Rick Steves, "Marijuana: It's Time for a Conversation” explores the history and current impacts of our marijuana laws. The video is part of a campaign aimed at encouraging public discussion on the effectiveness of these laws.

Complete Story Here

Tuesday, January 19th, from 7 to 8:30 pm
Olympia Center, 222 Columbia Street, Olympia

From the ACLU: "Marijuana decriminalization ... Government surveillance ... Privacy protections ... The death penalty ... Join the ACLU-WA Thurston Chapter for a look at civil liberties issues in the new legislative session. Featuring ACLU-WA Legislative Director, Shankar Narayan. Free and open to the public."

Here's a link for more information on the ACLU Washington State civil liberties campaign: Olympia 2009: A Banner Year for Civil Liberties

Tuesday, January 12, at 6:30 p.m.
Capitol Theater, 206 5th Ave SE, Olympia

Information from the ACLU: A screening of the ACLU's award-winning video, which covers the history and impacts of marijuana laws in the USA, followed by a discussion with video host Rick Steves, and others. Free and open to the public.

More information at the OFS website: Tuesday, January 12- ACLU of Washington Presents…Marijuana: It’s Time for a Conversation hosted by Rick Steves!

I just took an interesting poll about drug policy in Washington State. The poll was produced by the ACLU. It's mostly about marijuana. Check it out; it is informative.

You Can Go to Jail for That?

Here is a link to a series of topical videos. Included are several interviews, and a conversations program with Rick Steves.

Interviews | Marijuana | It's Time for a Conversation