Activism & Growing: Pros and Cons

[NiteTiger]

Just curious what everyone's opinion about being an activist for legalization while growing.

I know most growers knee-jerk reaction, and Rule #2 of growing is 'Don't attract attention', but there is an interesting flip side. Once you step out vocally, it becomes more of a political hot button, and DA's are elected. This could be a plus, as no DA wants to look like they're targeting people based on politics. It drags a legitimate claim of First Amendment rights into the situation as well.

So, there's a potential for making yourself a target, but a very dangerous one to attack. Being able to get in front of the media and call out the government on suppressing political ideas would be a hell of a hole card.

What are your guys thoughts?

 

[Hal]

I would love to...but I feel it could compromise my security...and I don't feel like being a....ah, hell, whats that friggin word....martyr.

This should be the responsibility of the multitudes who smoke cannabis, but don't take the risk of growing.

 

[Haps]

You must live in cannifornia to put this poll up. In the midwest, the bastards are still quite full on the wod. If I went to a state committee to testify, my life here would be done. I would be busted fast, and there is a high percentage chance I would be shot, even though I have no guns here myself. If you doubt that statement, look up the peoria, illinois newspapers and track back a year, they shoot somebody every week over there, ok fucking corral. I stay out of that county, but it is similar here, just more subtle.

We need a movie, it is how the citizens here get used to an idea that involves change. An american hero / love story that shows the value of our culture and the med benefits of herb. We have to show them the light, the showtime show was sooooooo trashy, it did not help much, about as much as cheech did.

There are also several high profile politicos with cancer right now, if we could find out that Tony Snow, wh spokesman, was smoking herb to help him with his chemo, that would be an interesting public tidbit. Or another high value target, a national treasure would be perfect. We can't all be Willy.
H

 

[Huey_Wunder]

I do both - small fry in the grand scheme of things, but I've had a taste of freedom (Ontario, Canada really did have a period of legal smoke, which I took full advantage of), and I want that freedom again, for everybody.

I have very small personal (less than personal, really) garden, and I march, and post signs, happily.

I'm not daring someone to make an example outta me, but if I want the cake, I have to at least help make it.

I've been recognized from tv coverage on marches - that is weird, but I am what I am.

To each their own

hw

 

[Haps]

Hal hit on a point there, marijuana martyrs would do it, but that is not a seed I am going to plant. Engaging STFU mode, now.
H

 

[NiteTiger]

You must live in cannifornia to put this poll up. In the midwest, the bastards are still quite full on the wod. If I went to a state committee to testify, my life here would be done. I would be busted fast, and there is a high percentage chance I would be shot, even though I have no guns here myself. If you doubt that statement, look up the peoria, illinois newspapers and track back a year, they shoot somebody every week over there, ok fucking corral. I stay out of that county, but it is similar here, just more subtle.

We need a movie, it is how the citizens here get used to an idea that involves change. An american hero / love story that shows the value of our culture and the med benefits of herb. We have to show them the light, the showtime show was sooooooo trashy, it did not help much, about as much as cheech did.

There are also several high profile politicos with cancer right now, if we could find out that Tony Snow, wh spokesman, was smoking herb to help him with his chemo, that would be an interesting public tidbit. Or another high value target, a national treasure would be perfect. We can't all be Willy.
H

Actually, I'm about 3k miles from Cali, who don't actually need MMJ legislation :wink:

I have indeed agreed to testify before the House Health committee on the issue, but of course they've never actually convened on debate in the matter.

Of course, I'm not interested in being a martyr either, and am only maintaining about 6 plants in my garden, the cutoff here in my state before you hit a felony.

However, I'm one of those folks who believe that if you're for an issue, you have to actually do something, instead of waiting on others to take the lead. Then again, PD around here doesn't mow folks down

I like the idea of a movie though, however to get the point across you'd have to show grower's living a perfectly normal life, and of course if someone isn't willing to carry a sign, they're not going to go on camera, even if you conceal identities.

 

[Hal]

Ya know, the idea of a movie is an excellent one. And we here in the states have just the man to do it:

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/MMPH/255388~Michael-Moore-Posters.jpg

I think I will write him a letter and ask if he can help out.

 

[NiteTiger]

Bah, Michael Moore has pissed off too many folks (I don't like him much myself). We link him to the MMJ movement, and it'll hurt the cause in the red states, IMHO

 

[de Toke-ville]

Bah, Michael Moore has pissed off too many folks (I don't like him much myself). We link him to the MMJ movement, and it'll hurt the cause in the red states, IMHO

Right you are, NiteTiger. People who like Michael Moore are already on our side by a wide margin. What would be great is to see one of these Republicans from the libertarian wing of the party do it. That might actually turn some heads.

But I'm in Cali (and voted yes in poll), so the only thing I myself have to worry about is personal security and theft.

 

[Hal]

I still think I would REALLY REALLY enjoy a movie that Michael Moore did about cannabis.

You are correct though about whether it would do any good...

 

[tngreen]

Right you are, NiteTiger. People who like Michael Moore are already on our side by a wide margin. What would be great is to see one of these Republicans from the libertarian wing of the party do it. That might actually turn some heads.

But I'm in Cali (and voted yes in poll), so the only thing I myself have to worry about is personal security and theft.

um...have you heard of a man named Ron Paul?


on the subject, ive been torn with how to act while growing. i cant help but want to only keep a low profile being where i live (untolerant state). i would love to be completely active but i fear for my safety and not sure i can take that risk even if it means possible legalization. i will however vote for the man that would make that happen! if you love freedom, Ron Paul is the only man to vote for! gotta love a man that wants the government to "butt-out" from our personal lives!

 

[NserUame]

Bah, Michael Moore has pissed off too many folks (I don't like him much myself). We link him to the MMJ movement, and it'll hurt the cause in the red states, IMHO

Completely agree. Michael Moore is a very biased man, when he sets his eye on something he refuses to look at both sides. If there were to be a marijuana documentary it would have to stay right in the middle, show all of the facts and let the audience decide for themselves. Instead of a fat humpty dumpty looking man telling them what to think.

(No disrespect towards Moore as a person, but as a director I really don't like his style. He does have some cajones to stand up their and express his views.)

 

[Trichome Toker]

What and end up like the Rainbow Farm crew?

No thanks.

 

[Guest]

i've thought about this over and over, and what it boiled down to for me is that at some point i'm going to need to sacrifice my personal enjoyment for the good of others and possible future freedoms for myself and others by COMPLETELY giving up growing and smoking while I am being an activist. THis is of course if I became the leader of a group or in a position to be known in any way.

right now my role in activism is the 1-2-4-8-16-32-64-128-256-512-1024-etc method. Teach a person or 2 at a time and really give them time to absorb what you are saying. let them ask questions, take time to teach them not only the answers but why those are the answers.
One thing that really helps with that method, at least for me, seems to be living a productive life and being respected AND respectful of others. People start wondering why you are the way you are and they'll start asking YOU to tell them whats up.
so thats what ill be doing until i am clear of any potentially illegal activities beyond a traffic violation. each journey starts with a (small) step

 

[hunt4genetics]

if you live in a liberal tolerant state, then go for it.
but if you live in a place like...Oklahoma and you grow, keep your pie hole shut.
there really are some places were it's either or, but not both unless you have a great legal staff on retainer.

peace

 

[NiteTiger]

Good responses guys, sounds like a lot of you share my concerns on both sides of the issue.

It's a tough thing. We growers bear the full brunt of the war on pot, risking much and suffering greatly. The flip side is we're also the ones who know the true value, the facts, and can speak with the greatest conviction.

But we can't. Not and be safe in our homes.

It's a sad day in America when you can't speak out for something for fear of armed men storming your house.

 

[7ate9]

The government will take pictures and everything of you if you show up to protests, that's what they do! Especially if you seem to be the leader or playing a big part.

I remember for the superbowl they had cameras at the ticket check in that took a picture of your face and after the game cops just waited for those people they found with warrants.

 

[de Toke-ville]

um...have you heard of a man named Ron Paul?


on the subject, ive been torn with how to act while growing. i cant help but want to only keep a low profile being where i live (untolerant state). i would love to be completely active but i fear for my safety and not sure i can take that risk even if it means possible legalization. i will however vote for the man that would make that happen! if you love freedom, Ron Paul is the only man to vote for! gotta love a man that wants the government to "butt-out" from our personal lives!

Yeah, I shoulda been more specific. I like Ron Paul, and I'm glad that he is finally registering in the polls (2%).

What I meant was someone with some, um, influence. Not only that, but while Ron Paul would call the feds off the drug war, he doesn't seem to be making it a centerpiece of his campaign. We need a respected figure that would actually talk about the stupidity of pot prohibition.