How do you balance family and work?

[rold]

Hi All:

 

Thanks to you all for your encouragement, awesome advice, doses of reality, and everything in between.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif I feel very fortunate for having all of you take time to discuss these problems with me!

 

I'm going to go through these threads and reply one by one, but my first priority is to address a problem that is more serious than my selfish endeavours with family and studio: the pot thing.

 

It might strike you as odd that I put this as a priority over the main and other topics that we're discussing, so please read on. It is certainly NOT an attempt to promote the beavis-and-butthead like culture which is attributed to irresponsible smokers and people with no viable future.

 

I forget the year and the city, but in California not too long ago (99 or 00), a couple of people were doing research on a book about the medical uses of pot. For those of you in california, you know it's accepted for it's medicinal value and a good number of people are exempt from prosecution.

 

These people, Todd McCormic and Peter McWilliams owned a house in which they were growing a couple of hundred plants, and researching the effects of these organically grown plants on themselves and others. I forget Todd's illness, but Peter was terminally ill, and was an exemptee. As they were drafting the book, they hired a woman by the name of Renee Boje to do graphic design.

 

As you can expect, the cops eventually found out, busted in with guns in people's faces, and arrested everyone in the house. They spent some time in jail, peter was released on monitored house arrest, renee fled to canada (the coast on which I live to be particular) to seek refugee status, and Todd has remained in jail, and he has another month and a half in solitary.

 

The story now? Renee is awaiting a decision from our "justice" minister which will be delivered by July (see reneeboje.com). Peter died choking on his own vomit while under house arrest without access to his medicine, which was the only thing keeping the chemo vomit down (no, marinol does not work), a needless death which could have been easily avoided. Todd is still in solitary.

 

What were the people like? I don't know about Peter (he died before this became publicized), but Todd strikes me as a very level-headed person who probably wouldn't hurt a fly; I read his letters from solitary as musch as I can. Renee has got to be the sweetest, most kind and gentle 30 year-old you've ever met (and she's a hotty too.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif).

 

Well, peter won't be facing prosecution. Todd remains in solitary and will probably be in jail for a good 10 years min. and renee faces 10 to life. The charges on renee? Watering plants. I've talked to her about it...did she water plants? Not one - wasn't her job, she was just doing graphics.

 

Todd, Peter and Renee work working on a book whose sole purpose was to benefit the sick and dying.

 

These are only three cases out of a white-house promoted, worldwide war on pot that is a REAL war including guns, bullets, state sanctioned murders, the state robbery of property, family, safety, liberty, health, and the "right" to the medicine you need. During the clinton era, 500 000 people were jailed, mostly on simple posession charges.

 

Some other highlights: (don't have exact data right now, but I'll swear on anything that lives or breathes that this is the truth)

 

-2000: dude in trailer park in buttfuck nowhere USA gets thrown in jail for living NEAR pots plants, located over a mile away. Charges were dropped, IRS sent a bill for back income taxes on the pot set at over $1MIL per year. He had $15 in his bank account.

 

-2000: Woman in Alberta Canada had her daughter taken away after passerby saw her smoking a joint while her daughter was playing in the park, under mom's watchful eye.

 

-2000: Jan. to March: over 40 Vancouver-area children are removed permanently from their families after the houses in which they lived were found to be grow operations, ranging from 50 plants to 200. The families were asian, other than two of those.

 

-1998: cops bust into a medical grow house somewhere in the US, family gets thrown to the ground, 12 year old boy gets shot dead while lying face-down on the ground, posing no threat, by an excited rookie. Just picture your son's blood on the carpet!

 

-1998: Cops bust into a victoria bc house suspected of having plants in the basement in the early afternoon. cop shoots SMALL dog in front of 11 terrified children attending a birthday party, citing the dog may have been a threat. family and children thrown to the ground, adults with shotguns in the backs of their heads. amount of plants and/or drugs seized: ZERO Just picture the psychological problems these kids will have as adults.

 

-2001: multi-house bust in buttfuck nowhere ontario canada turns up no plants, no drugs and leaves an elderly woman dying with a heart attack after she was thrown to the ground with a gun in the back of her head. Buh-bye gramma, we'll miss you.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/frown.gif

 

-2001 NY NY: teen who pointed out a narc gets dragged face first on the cement for over two blocks during the international Million Marijuana March. Ouch! Think this guy will ever have another girlfriend?

 

IT'S A GODDAMN PLANT! One whose fruit is capable of aleviating pain and illness, gives personal pleasure, is safer than alcohol, tobacco, COFFEE, aspirin (which hospitalized close to 100 000 people in the US last year and killed over 10 000), prozac - the list goes on, and who's fibers can be used to make the strongest materials in the world - including cement.

 

This is a serious problem which has it's roots based in racism and pure ignorance. Thank you AMERIKKKA! Thousands have died, millions have been imprisoned, families and property have been lost, children have been shot, no one can enjoy the promises of safety, liberty, and health, and this all because we as a people would like the right to be able to help ourselves.

 

Please understand where I'm coming from, and you will understand why I put the issue #1 priority on this post.

 

That having been said, Curve, Lee, you guys are right - you can't carry on a healthy existence while using pot irresponsibly. Same goes for alcohol, coffee, pain killers, and even WATER, which in high doses can kill. Have you ever heard of a death from pot? (other than getting shot by some redneck cop)

 

Thanks all for listening to my rant, and please promote the cause if you have the balls and care about the general good of your fellow neighbors.

 

For more see marijuananews.com, reneeboje.com, pot-tv.net, norml.com and surf from there...thanks again,

 

Harold-come-and-throw-my-ass-in-jail-for-giving-a-shit-Galcso

[rold]

Originally posted by sign:

Rold you are a man!

 

I have forgotten to mention your lady. Man, she loves you, keep that flame burning!

 

I can tell you man, i have had a day job for many years, a PA business in the evenings and weekends and a studio in the time between all of this and boy, was i stressed!!

 

There comes a time when you look at the road ahead of you and you think: i know the direction it is going to and i've been there before.

 

So you go to the left or right and boy i did! I quit my job and sold the PA and chose for the music and my family (and half of the money i was used to) but i never have regret it.

 

My son is 14 now and i never go angry anymore on him, for i'm not stressed! He still kisses and hugs me many times and i love it.

 

We, as a family have lunch and dinner together every day now and my wife and i take lang walks now and then in the morning.

 

I should have done all of this many years ago, but better late than never huh!

 

I have to go to my studio now 'cause within half an our i have a band coming in, it's 12.30 in the afternoon where i live.

 

Peace to you all.

 

 

Hi Sign,

 

Thanks for your post, advice, and concern! Thank you for reminding me to think about my wife too; you're right, of course, and my wife will appreciate your advice, as will my family and I..thanks again!

 

Wow - 14 years old...he doesn't sound like a rebellious kid tho...musta done everything right.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif

 

Peace to you,

 

Harold

 

This message has been edited by rold on 05-22-2001 at 04:08 AM

[rold]

Originally posted by alphajerk:

yo harold, i get your second biggest export down here every so often. the wifey and i are both into that sort of thing. she is also very social too so that made for an easy compromise on going out..

 

You must be getting the commercial stuff...you have really got to try the organic...more clarity, less inebriation, better for your health.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif My wife used to smoke too, but hasn't touched it since she got pregnant...cool that she's social too; that can be a real problem for us..

 

when i record my son its always begging to come down to the studio wanting to check it out. he loves music. always has. he hates classical though, pitched the biggest fit one day driving down the road to baby mozart [my mom was in the car so we were trying to play something she could enjoy as well] soon as i popped in the beastie boys instrumental album, he settled right down. he loves rock & roll.

 

Sounds like a fine kid.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif What is baby mozart BTW?

 

Peace, have baby-talk samples if you need tham http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

 

Harold

[rold]

Originally posted by GusTraX:

Hi Rold. Congrats on the new baby... no more full sleeping nights, right? http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

 

Hi Gus, thanks for posting.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif We're lucky that way, for the past 5 weeks he's been sleeping through the night...he was colicky for the first couple of months, but lately he's been amazing.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif

Well...

You must define the following:

 

1) Of course, our families (for the most of us) are the most important thing in the world. If your music is more important, you should not bother on asking.

 

2) You family must understand how important is music for you, so the ideal scenario is your familly being happy with what actually makes you happy.

 

So the wife should (ideally) understand you have to be a happy entity so you can make happy to other people. Music makes that magic. Perhaps music also makes a living for you... so it has more weight in the equation.

 

Of course, you have to make them feel you care about them. Guess what is (most of the times) the most important asset for them?

 

YOUR TIME. Period.

 

Try to understand your wife... recently had a baby... if she's breast feeding, man, that hurts and it is a very tired job... but explain this (about the happiness and money coming from it) to her.

 

Ask her the question: "would you like me to do a job I don't like?"... frustration at work always have sequels at home... remember it !

 

So, good luck... if you do love each other, balance will come... for sure... if not, well... balance will come, either...

 

GusTraX

 

1. no worries, my heart's in the right place...guess I haven't been the one really understanding, but the advice from all of you is really chaning that around.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif Thanks again!

 

2. She kinda understands...she knows my entire life has revolved around music, both on and off stage...while it is tru that I haven't spent enough time with them, it is also true that she doesn't see 3/4 of my entire day legitimately spent on getting this studio up...she thinks these forums are a waste of time, tho I have learned more here about the field than I did from production school, magazines, and in certain areas hardcore experience...the happiness thing makes perfect sense...thank you, I will definitely use that in our arguments.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

 

As for time, it will now be divided better...less studio, more family...thanks for reinforcing that, I really do need it.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif

 

Frustrations at work definitely spill over in the home; she knows that from experience...

 

You're right of course, I definitely have not been more sensitive to her needs....fix is in the works.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/wink.gif

 

Thanks again for the encouragement and wishes; if you ever need any support, please let me know.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif

 

Harold

[rold]

Originally posted by Curve Dominant:

I dunno, man. I'm single w/o kids, and I felt like the pot was crampin' my style. I don't know how you family guys pull it off. If y'all got any tips, pleez school me, and I'll be happy to re-think my position on this.

 

Could it be the fifth of scotch to wash down the cotton mouth that was doin' it? http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

curvedominant

 

Hi CurveMahn:

 

The approach I find best is responsibility with anything you can consider an intoxicant...pot will defintely kill a good day if you're smoking it constantly; I don't smoke very much anymore, it's really just for the end of the day. Plus, good organic pot in smaller amounts contributes more to your mental and physical health; used properly it can really help anyone from pleasure smokers, social smokers, to medical smokers.

 

anyway, sorry about the reply earlier, I really did think you were kidding.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif

 

Peace,

 

Harold

[rold]

Originally posted by Lee Flier:

Curve,

 

I think pot affects different people differently. And how much you smoke over how long a period seems to affect the equation too.

 

For MOST people, if you smoke too much over too long a period of time you become extremely lazy and/or paranoid or self conscious and/or start focusing too much on minute details that don't matter in the big picture, while forgetting about the big picture. For an engineer, or an artist trying to do a recording on a budget, that can be a disaster.

 

But MOST people, if they smoke one just every now and then, don't have those problems and the overall experience in general is better.

 

I've known a few people who can smoke it all the time without being that affected but not many. Myself, I don't smoke very often or very much and frankly I fail to see what all the fuss is about. I mean I enjoy it once in a blue moon, but it doesn't rock my universe or anything. I don't think it's worth the money or the hassle to buy it, and I certainly don't get the "pot culture" thing. I certainly think it's ridiculous that it's illegal, but even if it were legal I just can't see putting as much emphasis on it as many people do, and I still doubt I would ever buy any.

 

No need to apologize for being a musician and having quit smoking. I would hate to think I was doing it just because it's "cool" in our circles. You got some balls, Curve.

 

--Lee

 

Hi Lee:

 

I know your post wasn't address to me, so I hope you don't mind me chimin' in.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif

 

I really am not trying to promote a "if-you're-cool-you-smoke" mentality. I respect those who stay away from it to because, yeah, it does have different affects on people, and some people just cannot function being intoxicated in any way, and prefer a clear head...All the better to them!

 

My whole thing with pot is pretty much summarized above. I like beer too, but you don't get thrown in jail for being seen with one in your hand...Key is responsibility with intoxicants.

 

Peace,

 

Harold

[rold]

Originally posted by Nika:

I'm with you all the way on this one, Lee. Alpha can tell you of my extensive drug experiences. Needless to say, the drugs aren't necessary for me to :

 

be social

be knowledgable

be helpful

know equipment

engineer

be a musician

relax

be cool (although I may not qualify as "cool").

 

I can't imagine that at this phase in your studio that they're actually HELPING you at all.

 

Just my incredibly biased thoughts.

 

Nika.

 

 

Hi Nika:

 

I totally agree with you in the sense that doing anything that requires strict thought and responsibility is hampered by being intoxicated. I am not suggesting being stoned for anything non-pleasureful you need to do. However, responsibility is the key, and you won't find me stoned while having to do any of the above, short of relax and be a musician. It helps me relax (that's just me, it affects people differently), and as a musician I find it really helps with soul and songwriting. Not mandatory mind you, but a nice help.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif

 

Peace,

 

Harold

[rold]

Originally posted by guitplayer:

Rold,

 

I know I'm a little late to this thread, and jeez... You've had PLENTY of good ideas...

 

For me personally, I own my own business and can easily fill every waking moment with its demands.

 

I find that I actually have to SCHEDULE my wife and kids into my plans. I treat this with the same committment I would have for a client and NEVER break it... For me, (with a 5 and 8 year old) it means at least 2 "family nights" with kid oriented fun times a week, and MOST IMPORTANTLY at least one COUPLES night out with my wife.

 

Remember that being a new Mom is one if the most nerve wracking and numbing experiences you can have... the whole "crying equals dying" thing... (Just wait to see if you leap out of bed at the first cry from your second child! http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif)...

 

If your wife's like mine she WANTS YOU TO LIE about her getting her figure back, that she still looks attractive to you, that all the close and special times you had pre-kids are not gone... etc.

 

She may not want to go out alone with such a young baby... MAKE HER DO IT!

 

Find a family member, close friend who's another Mom, whatever it takes to make her feel comfortable. Make a detailed phone list of every possible place you'll be and every concieveable emergency number... whatever it takes to make her feel at ease... then, when you're at the place get her a couple of glasses of wine, (you have a soda), so she can "turn off" the motherly instinct for a couple of hours.

 

She'll feel better, and that means happier working conditions for you!

 

Good Luck!

 

guitplayer

 

Hi guit:

 

Thanks for your post and your advice.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif Yeah, more sensitivity is definitely needed towards the wife....it's not that I don't love her, it's just that the brain is so full of studio and business stuff the days end and I just realize I forgot to do the most important things...

 

I like your schedule and approach...you mind if I "borrow" it?.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

 

Thanks again,

 

Harold

[Nika]

Harold,

 

First, I find it unfortunate that the most important issue for you here, and the one that takes immediate addressing is your defense of your ability to smoke marijuana. I though that the family was the foremost issue?

 

Second, just reading between the lines here I'm hearing about all of these people who's lives were screwed up by their involvements with drugs. Renee Boje and all of the others. It seems odd that you come to such rapid defense of this rather than modify your life so that these things don't happen to you.

 

Third, I might reitterate that I don't have nearly the same concerns that you do about these things, nor does Curve, nor do others. It seems to me that if a clear head and focus is what you're after right now that getting all of the headache out of the way in regards to defending your ability to smoke might help. It sounds like quite a hassle to me.

 

Finally, perhaps the topic of drugs should go on another thread so that we can get back to discussing family issues here? Just an idea. They seem like to two totally different issues.

 

 

Just my thoughts,

Nika.

[rold]

Originally posted by Nika:

Harold,

 

First, I find it unfortunate that the most important issue for you here, and the one that takes immediate addressing is your defense of your ability to smoke marijuana. I though that the family was the foremost issue?

 

Nika, I have no time so I'll be brief. I have a reponse to your above post too, but it's only half finished.

 

The above defense of people's liberty and safety has little to do with me in particular. It is definitely not only about liberty, it is about safety and having the right to choose whatever you want to put into your body, without fear of serious prosecution. You call your country free? God bless amerikkka!

 

Second, just reading between the lines here I'm hearing about all of these people who's lives were screwed up by their involvements with drugs. Renee Boje and all of the others. It seems odd that you come to such rapid defense of this rather than modify your life so that these things don't happen to you.

 

You missed my point entirely didn't you? the issue is not about me in partiulcar, or my lifestyle, or having to modify my life, as pot is not an issue with my personal smoking habits. No, drugs didn't ruin these people's lives, it was a hardcore oppression towards the right to choose your medicine or intoxicant. This is not so much about pot as it is about the siliness of the drug war and it's effects on the lives of your fellow man. No, the above won't happen to me; I don't grow, and I definitely am happy to be living in a country where you aren't looking at 10 to life for being in a house that contains plants. Amerikkka's "justice" system is pretty sick, isn't it? Look at what your government's promoting worldwide: no, you cannot smoke a relatively harmless plant, you should get thrown in jail, but wwe completely encourage your use of our more deadly and harmful substances, which are legal. Safe to say the issue is more about capitalism than liberty, saftey and health isn't it? BTW, prozac is promoting the use of it's drug in babies. 21 of them in BC alone. A serious narcotic, may as well put them on crack.

 

Third, I might reitterate that I don't have nearly the same concerns that you do about these things, nor does Curve, nor do others. It seems to me that if a clear head and focus is what you're after right now that getting all of the headache out of the way in regards to defending your ability to smoke might help. It sounds like quite a hassle to me.

 

Again, this is not about me, I am not facing jail time for anything. Possession is not prosecuted heavily in canada, but you can get shot for being seen with a joint in the US, but worse yet they're promoting it worldwide.

 

It's fairly obvious you have no concern about what happens to your harmless neighbor over doing a harmless thing. Again, it is not a drug problem, it is oppression. And yes, my head is quite clear, though shaking at the ignorance I'm getting from you. I cannot believe you don't have a hint of feeling for these people. No, audio, studio, and passing family disputes are not more important than seeing fine people get persecuted like this over doing something harmless. IF it were a family member, would you agree to them getting shot over any of the above? I most certainly don't, I do give a shit, and support these people any way I can. If it was you, you'd be getting the same, though it's obvious I couldn't expect the same.

 

Rold.

[sbrock1san.rr.com]

It's spelled America.

[Nika]

Harold,

 

It really is kind of just a non-issue for me. The thoughts that you are addressing really never cross my mind because it's not an issue for me at all - or any of my family, or any of my friends.

 

So you probably are indeed feeling a lack of sympathy from me, as would others in the same situation. It just kind of falls into this area of things that I don't think about at all, and really have no reason to. It's just too easy and convenient for me to make this a non issue.

 

In the end, you are correct, your email didn't sink in with me at all. I doubt it will. Why would it?

 

Sorry,

Nika.

[Curve Dominant]

Oh, Lord. Somebody pleez kill this thread.

 

They gave me a drug test at work and I guessed all of the samples correctly...

curvedominant

[ADDBoy]

Quote:

I cannot believe you don't have a hint of feeling for these people. No, audio, studio, and passing family disputes are not more important than seeing fine people get persecuted like this over doing something harmless.

 

Why would we fee sorry for these people? Even If you believe that the legal system is unfair to them, didn't they know full well when they used the drugs that they were illegal. Whether or not they believed they should be able to use Pot has no bearing on the fact that legally they can't. Most of them made the conscious decision to break the law, and now they suffer the consequences.

 

It's strange to me that somone who would mention water as potentially deadly would go so far as to say that weed is harmless. I myself have never heard of a person who drank themselves to death (with water). I HAVE however seen friends' personalities and drive change when they started smoking. It's not a coincidence that this happened to them. You could probably go next door and slam your face in you neighbor's pool and drink till the pool was empty. Besides alarming your neighbor, you won't have hurt anybody.

It's hard to believe that you are shaking from Nika's supposed lack of sympathy towards people who made their proverbial bed and are now having to sleep in it. Why don't you take some of that passion and turn it towards home. i.e. Your wife and kid.

[-]

Hmmm... I'm smelling another 500+ post thread a la "George, Watch this!!!....(96k)" http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

 

To get back on topic, though...

 

Rold, I think you may have gotten the lukewarm response you've received so far (from the non-pot smokers, anyway) because you asked a question on how you could change things, we made a few suggestions, and your responses more or less indicated that you are still planning to go full speed ahead.

 

Having a kid and keeping a family together can be difficult, but it can be rewarding too, if both people are willing to work together and compromise. Unfortunately, I haven't detected a desire to compromise in your posts so far, other than maybe cutting back on the clubbing.

 

I think what Nika (can't speak for him -- I'm just guessing) and others are sensing is that, from the way you describe things, it sounds as though you are describing a potential slow road to heartache and misery. (Are those lyrics from some blues song?) Heartache and misery might be a cool thing to write a song about, but it's not somewhere you'd want to visit every day for the rest of your life http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/eek.gif .

 

Look, everyone on this forum loves creating music -- these forums are a virtual musician support group -- but no one here wants to see anyone else do something that may, in the long run, emotionally or financially hurt their marriage, their kids, or their own well-being.

 

On the positive side, it's good that you're asking the question, and that you have the guts to post the question in a public forum. At the very least, you realize that there's something not quite right, and you still have time to fix things.

 

I wish you the best of luck in whatever you ultimately decide... But I would take a good, hard look at other commercial studios in your area and ask yourself if they're truly making money.

 

If the other studios are raking in dough, will your studio be able to compete from a service, equipment, and rate perspective? And if the other studios are doing really well, would it make more sense to work for them instead of rolling your own? (Or so to speak http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif )

 

 

 

 

This message has been edited by popmusic on 05-22-2001 at 04:46 PM

[ADDBoy]

Quote:

I cannot believe you don't have a hint of feeling for these people. No, audio, studio, and passing family disputes are not more important than seeing fine people get persecuted like this over doing something harmless.

 

Why would we fee sorry for these people? Even If you believe that the legal system is unfair to them, didn't they know full well when they used the drugs that they were illegal. Whether or not they believed they should be able to use Pot has no bearing on the fact that legally they can't. Most of them made the conscious decision to break the law, and now they suffer the consequences.

 

It's strange to me that somone who would mention water as potentially deadly would go so far as to say that weed is harmless. I myself have never heard of a person who drank themselves to death (with water). I HAVE however seen friends' personalities and drive change when they started smoking. It's not a coincidence that this happened to them. You could probably go next door and slam your face in you neighbor's pool and drink till the pool was empty. Besides alarming your neighbor, you won't have hurt anybody.

It's hard to believe that you are shaking from Nika's supposed lack of sympathy towards people who made their proverbial bed and are now having to sleep in it. Why don't you take some of that passion and turn it towards home. i.e. Your wife and kid.

[alphajerk]

first of all, stick your head in a pool on water and you WILL die.

 

secondly it IS spelled AMERIKKKA, the ENTIRE drug issue was racial motivations as it became "illegal". the drug war IS the most stupid endeavor ameriKKKa has ever fought. dont even get me started on SO MANY people in jail over something that is relatively harmless while murderers and rapists get less time for what is a more henious offenses against humanity.

 

as long as alcohol is legal, people should have EVERY right to smoke pot whether it be legal or not. its called civil disobedience.

 

i could write an entire book as to the stupidity of the illegalization of drugs. it blows my mind that people STILL dont get it yet. its all conspiracy.

[Nika]

Alpha,

 

Writing the book will do no good. Primarily because guys like me won't read it. Why? Again because, frankly, guys like me don't care. For guys like me it's just a whole lot of energy that we don't need to spend. I recognize that you have a lot of passion about it, but spewing it on me is really forcing it to fall on deaf ears. I think that that may be one of your problems, and I really don't see a good way for you to resolve that.

 

Further, utilizing the initials KKK in the word America is the poorest type of wordplay association I've seen in a while. What is this getting at, an association between people of Jewish and ethnic backgrounds and people that smoke Marijuana.

 

The KKK is not a political organization or an organization that has anything to do with Marijuana use that I know of. If you're trying to make a statement about the US political structure being structured in a facist or Nazi type of way when it comes to drug use than I'd recommend making a play on words that utilizes these entities. Utilizing the KKK in your word play is about as logical as calling Sears "SeAARPs" because they sell Craftsman tools. Craftsman tools have nothing to do with Retired People.

 

Irrational emphatacism causes people like me to become even less inclined to listen and give the argument any credibility. If I were to listen to a debate about the legalization, or at least de-criminalization of drugs I'd be much more inclined to listen to a logical and well worded argument than a string of words that don't come together to form a cohesive statement.

 

That's just me. The AmeriKKKa thing is kind of offensive to me, and for no particular reason.

 

Nika.

[sign]

Yo Alpha

 

Just come to Holland, you can grow your weed in the frontgarden, no problemo.

 

Peace.

[Curve Dominant]

Something that definitely needs to be clarified: weed is not "harmless." Let's not fool ourselves here. I like a good buzz as much as anyone, but the fact is that THC builds up between the brain cells, causing their synapses to atrophy. This explains symptoms such as loss of short term memory and shortened attention span in chronic users - their neural pathways are literally short-circuited.

[rold]

Originally posted by Curve Dominant:

Something that definitely needs to be clarified: weed is not "harmless." Let's not fool ourselves here. I like a good buzz as much as anyone, but the fact is that THC builds up between the brain cells, causing their synapses to atrophy. This explains symptoms such as loss of short term memory and shortened attention span in chronic users - their neural pathways are literally short-circuited.

 

Hmmm...sounds strangely like pure propaganda to me...kinda like "there are 500 more carcinogens in pot than there are in cigarettes" Oh really? Do growers put cyanide, nail polish remover, arsenic in pot? Last I checked it was just dried...

 

Anyway, wether you choose to smoke pot or not, or even listen, that's your choice. No one's forcing any of you to do anything. However, a little consideration and respect for people going down for a silly drug war might be in order, then again look at the way your governments treat you...guess that trickled down a little...sorry.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/frown.gif

 

As of yesterday, Ottawa has announced they will be looking hard at decriminalizing it. 77% of our population agrees that our laws are ridiculous, and provincial premiers and leaders of CONSERVATIVE federal parties support it. Finally, a little compassion and common sense! For you still living in Amerikkka, sorry... http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/frown.gif

 

Anyway, I just got back from a day with the wife and child. Thanks to all you that have encouraged that, the situation is much better.

 

It's been a good day. Just landed a post production, and possibly full production gig on a fairly-well funded and provincially supported documentary.

 

Guess compassion brings some good karma along the way.. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif

 

And alpha, thanks a million for the support.

 

See ya'll http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif

[alphajerk]

nika, dont be a dumb ass. the whole drug war IS RACIALLY MOTIVATED [KKK] why do you think the drug laws at first only disallowed people of color to not be able to do them? why do you think the propaganda was biased towards derelict behaviour of colored people "affecting" the moral white way? if its offensive, then you have race issues you havent confronted. why to you think a majority of people in jail are of colored skin? why do you think crack happened in the hood but only became a "problem" when it made its way to the suburbs?

 

your problem nika is you havent done shit in your life so you dont know shit about it. what you really need is a big fat joint, maybe 96khz wouldnt seem like such an issue. maybe you would relax a little bit. maybe you could actually hear a difference. people like you dont need to read a book about drugs, you need to do some fucking drugs. try some lsd and maybe then you would realize that a lot of your ideas are bullshit.

 

you are right, i am passionate about millions of people crowding our jail system for no reason. im passionate about the whole stupidity of the drug war and the senseless money spent and the power given to drug lords. when jails become big business it directly relates to the nazi regimes of hitler. the head drug enforcement guy is called a fucking CZAR. wake the fuck up. i dont care if AMERIKKKA is offensive to you, it should be. its offensive to me too and i have to fucking live in it but its not for the same egotistical reason you cite. i have thought many times of moving to holland but would rather stay here and fight for what is right. it is time that this prohibition is over.

[rold]

Oh, and if you are offended at us calling america amerikkka, consider these figures (estimated; could be slightly high or low, but ballpark)from Amnesty Int'l and the UN (sorry no time for stats digging, this from memory):

 

Percent chance of getting imprisoned sometime during life:

 

African American - 29%

Hispanic: 15%

White 4%

 

If you have the time, see amnesty.org or un.org

 

peace

 

 

 

This message has been edited by rold on 05-22-2001 at 10:04 PM

[rold]

Alpha,

 

Thanks from everyone here for having the compassion and the balls to be speaking out against this oppression. Not enough people who are willing to speak out against the party line, but mahn you are commendable!

 

Respects,

 

Harold

[Nika]

Alpha and Rold,

 

First, I'd like to say that I appreciate the fact that you are both emphatic and passionate people. As you know, I am too - but about different things.

 

Second, it seems as though the point of this topic has ceased to become an issue for the time being. Rold, I am happy for your day with your wife and that this new opportunity seems to be an acceptable path for the time being.

 

While I am always available and welcome the opportunity to discuss, debate, or argue just about anything, I don't feel that my beliefs on the matter of drug use, or even more importantly, race relations, are any longer appropriate for this forum. Alpha, contact me offline. I'll be happy to hear your complete thoughts there and can give you back enough so that you may better understand my apathy if you choose.

 

It has been enjoyable discussing matters with you. I'll meet you all in the next pertinent topic.

 

Thanx!

Nika.

[michael saulnier]

guitplayer. http://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/cwm/big/biggrin.gif

 

guitplayer on drugs. http://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/cwm/big/Duhard.gif

 

Any questions?

 

guitplayer

[alphajerk]

no thanks nika, i bid my ideology in public. offline serves no purpose but to hide, kinda like the sheets whitey has been wearing all along. sorry if i have too much compassion for what has been done wrong to people of non-caucasian skin tones and the laws that still afflict them. i cant help the baised attitudes set forth by the white government that has plagued our cuntry since its conception.

 

oh but i forgot, you now live in wonderbreadland. something you no longer have to think about. the good ole uSSa.

[Curve Dominant]

>>offline serves no purpose but to hide, kinda like the sheets whitey has been wearing all along. sorry if i have too much compassion for what has been done wrong to people of non-caucasian skin tones and the laws that still afflict them.<<

 

OH, I LUV IT!!!

 

Alphajerk, savior of the oppressed. "Get 'em all stoned!"

 

Look up, Barrett. There's a white sheet on your head. You don't see it, but it's there.

 

>>How do you balance family and work?<<

 

What a luvely little thread this has been! What have we learned?

 

1. Drugs come first, family second

2. If you don't use drugs, you're a fascist

3. America is really spelled Amerikkka (even though the KKK, in its present condition, couldn't invade a MacDonalds)

4. Alphajerk is going to save the world (as soon as he remembers where he left his rolling papers)

5. The Curve has been brainwashed (I should be so lucky)

6. Nika is a dumbass (which would mean that I'm legally brain-dead; again, no surprise there)

7. Minorities need drugs to escape the bounds of oppression (too bad Malcolm X isn't around to comment on that one)

8. Harold's wife is starting to get fed up (Can you imagine???)

9. Lee says the Curve has "got some balls" (so you'll forgive the drum machine? Ya know, I always was a sucker for brunettes)

10. Ottawa has announced they will be looking hard at decriminalizing marijuana (and if you can find Ottawa on a map, you need to smoke a big phatty and relax!)

11. One needs to be stoned to fully appreciate the benefits of recording at 96K (oh, so THAT's the missing component in the signal path!)

12. Guitplayer has challenged Khan for the Smilies Heavyweight Championship (start eating that fettuchini, guit)

 

OK, KIDS! THERE WILL BE A QUIZ TOMORROW, SO STUDY ALL OF THIS!

[alphajerk]

yea curve, there a couple blotter sheets worth in my head http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif i like that though, save the world if i could only find my rolling papers. can i use that?

 

im certainly not saying minorities NEED drugs. but the laws are against them. take this for instance. a Oklahoma senator was pushing for the death penalty for drug distribution offenders... HIS OWN SON WAS A DEALER, got caught with pounds upon pounds of weed and coke along with weapons possesions and daddy got him off with just house arrest. see how the "system" works?

[rold]

Why do I feel I am preaching to deaf ears? This is not about drugs!

 

This is about a society and government so ignorant that it straight out refuses to discuss anything outside of the anglo-saxon party line, as some of you guys have proved. Do you have any clue to how ridiculous your statements are?

 

No, this is no longer about the original topic.

 

Yes, the mass public's safety and liberty are more important than a passing marriage dispute.

 

Yes, harold's wife was getting fed up until he realized and ADMITTED he was wrong and FIXED it,

 

Ottawa is the capital of canada. kinda like wash dc, but less racist, oppressive, power and control hungry.

 

No, the problem with me isn't pot, as at least a few times in this thread I mentioned I don't smoke that much. Nice assumption though! Same type of assumptions that lead people to believe all black people are murderers and they all smoke crack.

 

And no, spelling or grammatical errors do not matter here; if you want academic bullshit go back to highschool.

 

'rold

 

 

 

This message has been edited by rold on 05-23-2001 at 07:09 AM