Posted by maryhelpme (anonymous) on March 28, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Green should be ashame of himself. He had the same level of understanding as the children any way, so it was not a surprise. Mr. Green has really disgraced RLMS, as if it needed any more problems. Mr. Green, I have a paper bag to put over your HEAD if you need one. Are are really a BAD BAD role model. Do everyone including the children of RLMS a favor and don't return to the school, just go ahead and resign.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 12:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Amend!

Posted by thick1982 (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 1:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I always said a certified teacher doesn't means qualified. They always talking about hiring certified teacher, they ain't no better.

Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 1:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is really sad. As a future educator, I believe that teachers are to be held to a higher standard. This poor gentleman couldn't even meet the standards set for the students. He was teaching PE as well. I hope he wasn't teaching health along with PE. That would be ironic. I do want to commend the school district for taking prompt action when they found out, and I'm sure they are only going through the proper procedures unti he is found let go.

Posted by ViLou2True (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 1:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe he had a prescription for it ...lol!!! ...sorry but I had to

Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 2:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What a disgrace. One more thorn to hurt those who don't deserve to be hurt. He needs to just LEAVE.

Posted by MissMagnolia (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 3:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If a good portion of Americans were in the middle of a WHISTLEBLOWER investigation by a friend or hater to a supervisor or the police - they would probably realized that there are a lot of people who partake in this activity. Hopefully he did not indulge in this misdemeanor (depending on the quantity) on campus grounds or in the presence of the students. As most students could probably teach you how to roll it up or smoke it themselves.
This activity is as impulsive as a drinker or smoker only LEGAL. It is sad that he got caught up as such a young age with this issue.

Posted by ITSME (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 3:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Suprise suprise pay people more then 20,000 a year and they wouldn't have to sell drugs to live.

Posted by LdyBreez (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 5:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This man weather he used it or not was in posession of an illeagel substance. He broke the law. Do you really want someone who knowingly breaks the law teaching our children? I know I don't.

I hope they use this man as an example and take his certification. Let our children see how substance abuse and breaking the law can cost someone not only fines, jail time but their lively hood.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 6:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Out of curiosity...does anyone know where he moved here from?

Posted by sorry4ya (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 7:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

He came from Alcorn. He used to play football but he reigns from Hattiesburg. Come on people, we all sometimes do things that we deliberately know is unbecoming. However, we often fail to realize in most circumstances, things aren't illegal until we get caught. Give him a break. no sin is bigger than the next. I am in no way condoning any type of substance abuse nor drugs in school around our youth. i am however acknowledging that if he is guilty, maybe it will encourage some of the ones who are guilty to come clean before they are caught. Behind you 100% Milton.

Posted by wakeupnatchez (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 7:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

a 6,000 dollar per year raise to the superintendent for an under performing school district surely can afford to test its school personel. A 41,000,000 budget can find the resources to test its personel. I forgot thats the parents job as well. It is the parents responsibility to make sure schools are safe. Keep hiring people from else where with no background check and see what happens. Keep firing all the people from your hometown. You people might as well hire the TALIBAN it will fit the rest of your decision making. Some citizens got the nerve to question or try to demean the COMMITTEE FOR BETTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 2000 PLUS STUDENTS SUSPENDED FROM SCHOOL FOR WHATEVER REASONS BUT YOU YOU DID NOT KNOW YOUR TEACHER WAS ARRESTED UNTIL THURSDAY. DID HE CALL IN SICK ON WEDNESDAY AND THE DISTRICT PAID HIM WHILE HE WAS BEING DETAINED. Taxpayers we need that job(lol)

Posted by kpage (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's as simple as this...If this teacher has no clue that pot is illegal, then he doesn't have the brains to teach kids anyway. He was definitely aware of consequences (hell, he has a college education), yet he took the chance anyway. I sure wouldn't appreciate a "high" teacher telling my kids how to be more healthy.

Posted by Mucasplug (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

He now qualifies for mayor of New York.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry but no, I will NOT be giving the guy a "break"! This is uncalled for behavior from a TEACHER!?

Posted by padlock (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 8:19 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by Incognito (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Please remember, Mr. Green is a human being just like the rest of us, which means he's prone to error just like the rest of us. However, he got caught.

Wow, how we are so quick to judge. Is what he did inconsistent with the law, yes. Should this mistake tarnish the rest of his life, NO.

How does the saying go, "To err is human, to forgive is divine"?

Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

MissMagnolia, that is EXACTLY what I was thinking while reading the article, Mr. Green just happened to have been the one who got caught! This by far DOES NOT mean, he is the only one. As someone else said, CERTIFIED means nothing but that, it meant you could pass the tests, that is all. You have a lot of people, with good moral fiber and are subject knowledgeable who would make great teachers!

Posted by iconoclast (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For those complaining that Mr. Green hasn't yet been fired as well as hanged in public, everyone in America deserves due process. One thing that would help this school district would be to stop hiring every yoko that graduates from Alcorn. That place is little more than a diploma mill.

Posted by overthehill60 (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I know a Vidalia teacher (NO NAMES) that is a regular marijuana user. I don't know if she smokes it at school or just at home. Until we discovered what was happening my granddaughter & her daughter were friends but, a stop was put to them hanging out after school. When my Granddaughter saw her smoking it the teacher told her "If you want to pass you better keep your mouth shut." Of course my granddaughter told her parents, but they we all know our hand are tied when it comes to a childs word over a teachers. As soon as she is out of that school my daughter is gong to report her.
As you can imagine the teacher dodges & refuses to speak to my Granddaughter at school. One good thing about it she never corrects my Granddaughter for some nonsense thing like teachers are known to do.

Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Icononclast: I agree with you wholeheartedly on due process. If the man is guilty, the justice system will prove so, and at that point, the school system can take the proper steps to ensure his termination. I have to respectfully disagree with your "every yoko that graduates from Alcorn" comment. I am currently in the Teachers Education Program at ASU, and I must defend many of the people who are in the program. Many of them have a true passion for children, and they want to see children become productive, successful citizens in life. I must concur that there is some people I see who really scare me because they have such apathetic attitudes, looking only for a diploma to earn a check. I understand it doesn't pay a lot, but for around this area, it is not a bad salary with all of the benefits included (i.e. retirement, health insurance, etc.). The bottom-line is whether someone is in it for the children or the check. I could care less for money. I am going to educate young people because I love them like I love my daughter, and it is what my Lord Jesus has called me to do. I know I am in the right field because people who see me perform in a classroom say that I am going to make an excellent educator. I am also a male just like this P.E. teacher so it has nothing to do with that either. I am just trying to say that in every profession you have those that are in it for the right reason and those who have ulterior motives. Doctors, lawyers, police officers, and politicians are all good examples. It is just the world we live in that we have people that shouldn't be in certain positions of trust. I'll get off my soap box now.

For those who are saying to give this guy a break and that he just happened to be the one who got caught, I sincerely hope you change those thought processes because this gentleman is not fit to educate young people at this point in his life. We educators are to be held to a higher standard. We are handed one of the rarest forms of trust of our society. We are entrusted with many children, many who are the hope and dream of their respective parents. We should be held accountable. I believe, though, that if this man can get his life together and stay clean then he should be able to one day (way in the future) be in a school again.

Posted by dottie (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is sad.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Swapmeet: Very well put...very erudite, thoughtful and you eschewed obuscation...I wish more teachers had your attitude.

Posted by grrbrts (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder how the POT got filtered in, to his avail, to begin with? Or, at the very least, his peddler? And, was there even a stakeout, or did they (MNU) jump the gun, so to speak?

Posted by wakeupnatchez (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

npdsucks is correct about nhs asst. principal. the school board and superintendent had to be aware. you can't hide something like this from the community. I knew about it before I moved away 5 years ago. JUST ASK VIDALIA.

Posted by Negotiator (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Phillip West has done things I consider much more unbecoming than this guy did.

Posted by BigPapa (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe we should just legalize marijuana. That way, the government could stop WASTING taxpayer money by arresting and prosecuting people for marijuana possession, something that is no more detrimental to society or individuals than alcohol.

Posted by bear45 (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Think about it people maybe he has to smoke a little just to deal with some of the children in the school I know I would have to take something myself.....I know it is not legal but out there there are more than just the teachers smoking a little pot!!!!!

Posted by Incognito (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

iconoclast

Alcorn State has produced competent professionals that have served this community (in many different capacities) and these United States for more than a century. These individuals are equpied with, and possess the necessary skills to make informed decisions that impact society as a whole. Just like any other institution, Alcorn has its flaws

Iconoclast, just as Alcorn State University, as well as Alums, look forward to the opportunity to aid in the progression of Natchez, Natchez citizens should also work with the university and realize that Alcorn is an essential part of Southwest Mississippi. Don't think that you walk through Alcorn and receive a degree. Students are required to perform to the academic standard established by the professor.

Based on the posts I've read, there are individuals who have never done anything that was inconsistent with the law. OK if you say so...........

Posted by NatchezEnema (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder where he got it from, I bet he bought it at school!

Posted by ideucate (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with Iconclast and Swapmeet that everyone deserves due process. Due process is the principle that helped the previous mentioned former principal of RLMS clear himself of any wrong doing when Supt.Morris mysteriously tried to suspend him for telling students to do their best on a writing test last year. How can a person help students on a writing test anyway. . However, this principal DID NOT GET DUE PROCESS when Morris asked for his job without any form of documentation against him ???????? and the school board supported him as well ??????Morris said that he could let him go without due process because it was his first year working in NASD. As a parent I have also asked Dr.Barnett about drug testing employees, especially Principals and bus drivers many of which are known by the community to be on drugs. For some reason, he is very much against testing them but its ok to randomly test students. Double standards are in place against the children and employees that are from Natchez. Students should be questioned to find out if Green was maybe distributing drugs to them because the school restrooms at RLMS reek of marijuna throughout the school day with three principals,three or four security guards,etc.Hope he learns from this big mistake and matures as a man. I assume that since this is Green's first year that he too should not have due process and should be dismissed asap.

Posted by outoftown (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Bible saids HE WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE!

Posted by Bobaloo (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is gonna bring out the conservative fire and brimstoners.... the righteous.... brimstoners....... that's funny.

yes, BigPapa we should be legal.

it certainly should be recognized for medical properties.
Mississippi was of the first states to decriminalize in the US. The key word, DECRIMINALIZE. Back in the 70's now mind you. Less than 30g is a misdemeanor, like a traffic ticket. A DUI is a heavier charge. Would some feel the same if he had been arrested on a DUI? Just because alcohol is "legal".

This arrest occurred at his home, for something he did in his home, not at school. Sounds like his own biz to me. That was a bit showboat journalism to print it on the front page, 10g's of pot? come on ND. If it were somebody's college age kid, you would not do that. but this guy's a teacher, so his personal life is everyone's biz? dat ain't right.

this sounds like a personal beef turned into a rat out that should not have been more than in the crime report on the backpage. I mean, someone had to be in the house to know about it to rat it out. What's that about? a PO'd former g'friend? what?

Put a tax on reefer and let it become a legit biz like ...uh,.... alcohol. or tobacco.
what if ciggies were illegal? there's a scenario for you.

then pot users won't have to buy from illegal dealers that may deal in other illegal substances a lot of average pot smokers don't mess with.

i would rather have a pothead for a teacher than a drunk or a wifebeater. i have had all and can honestly say that from my personal experience.

let the flaming begin.......

Posted by iconoclast (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

npdsucks: It is the students who cuss people out and threaten the staff at RLMS and at every other school in this district. The students are the entire problem with NASD. A teacher smoking pot is the lest problem with NASD's schools. You have it backwards. Just reading your post demonstrates what an illiterate moron you are anyway. Teachers should be paid six figures a year to teach and put up with that rabble. Take your rants back to the ghetto where you might find someone to listen to it.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mental Patient Again?

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Drugs are for "SICK" People!

Posted by BurningStar (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh my GOD - he had a naturally growing, GOD-GIVEN "substance" in his possession!!!??? One that is ONLY "bad" because some humans decided it would be "illegal"??

I don't think it was cool for him to have it at school... but
I'm ALOT more worried about DRUNKS AND CHILD MOLESTERS!!

Posted by djarum_black (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just to clear the first round of public chat and the inconsistencies that will arise because of it...

Nowhere in this story does it say that the teacher had marijuana at the school with him. As a matter of fact, it states that he was arrested at his home and that arrest yielded a total of 10 grams (2 five gram bags).

Back to the main point.. for crying out loud... who cares?

Before you go and condemn this person for using a natural substance, why don't you bother to think about how you PERSONALLY feel about it, aside from its illegality. How is it any different from having a beer? I'm not of the mindset that everything that people may or may not do in excess should be made illegal, but I think I'd rather see alcohol outlawed. It's not hard to quit smoking pot, whereas alcoholics ruin their internal organs, their families, their careers, and may find themselves hopelessly addicted. I'm not saying that marijuana is just WONDERFUL and the best thing to do, but as another poster said, it does have some fantastic medical qualities and as far as recreational substances go, it tends to cause a lot less damage than alcohol or other substances, including tobacco.

I had a police officer tell me once "I'd rather see people smoke weed than drink. A drunk will get in their car and tear all over town, driving on the sidewalk, speeding, mowing people down, and then get out of the car with an attitude. A pothead will sit quietly at a stop sign for an hour, just waiting for it to turn green. Neither of them should be driving, but the drunk is going to be a lot more destructive and ready to fight than the guy who's trying to score a bag of cheetos and go back home."

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bobaloo and BigPapa

I have to agree with you on this one

I don't see anything wrong with a little weed for home use

It should be legalized for personal use I think, we spend too much money and incarcerate way too many people, and make hardened criminals out of too many kids over petty drug charges, especially pot.

Now I do draw the line on hard drugs and a lot of perscription pills. Although I like my wife's pain killers and antidepressants occasionally. I doubt there are ANY of us that do not use some mild drug for medicinal purposes or relaxation from time to time.

If this guy had been caught with weed at the school or encouraging kids to get high, that would be different in my opinion. If he had been caught driving while intoxicated that would be serious also, but this guy wasn't hurting anyone. Come on, let's get real, and quit trying to put everyone in jail.

Posted by JDR (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

this just in...natchez is full of pot heads. this proves the saying "drugs are for losers" to be true

Posted by princess23tweety (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Would you want a Doctor to operate on you if he/she was using drugs i hope not this man should not be teaching kids. RLMS has a bad rep as it is this is another blemish on the school. Did they ask why he resigned form the school in Hattisburg

Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IM ONE WHO BELIVES THAT MARIQUANA SHOULD BE LEGALL.BUT,I DONT CONDONE TEACHERS TAKING IT SCHOOL.BUT,ON THE OTHER HAND.IT WAS AT HIS HOME NOT AT SCHOOL.WHAT A PERSON DOES IN THE PRIVATISY OF THERE OWN HOME IS THERE BUISNESS.WE SHOULD LEGALISE POT AND PROSTITUTION AND PLACE A 30%TAX ON BOTH.THEN WE COULD SAVE MEDICADE SOCIAL SECURITY AND BALANCE THE BUDGET.ALCOLHOL IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN POT EVER COULD BE.IVE NEVER HEARD OF SOMEONE GETING A DUI FOR SMOKING A JOINT.OR HAVING A HEADON IN A CAR KILLING PEOPLE.POT IS THE MOST SAFEST DRUG OUT THERE.ALCOLHOL IS THE MOST DANGEROUS AND IT KILLS THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE EVERY YEAR.LET THIS MAN GO WITH A WARNING.HELL HE WASNT SELLING IT TO KIDS OR BRINGING IT TO SCHOOL.TY

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Of course, the Natchez Public has to understand and realize where some of these statements are coming from? Shame on you Krogers!

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Supertrucker47...STOP YELLING...learn how to spell and type and a little grammar wouldn't hurt...you destroy your own points with ill structured and poorly thought out arguments...I myself used reefer back when I was a much younger man...I realized it was a mistake...I stopped...then it became experience...experience is the sum of the mistakes you make and LEARN from...I've got lots...unfortunately, some, like this teacher, repeat their mistakes and never gain experience...and hurt others in the process.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Krogers: Rationalization for your illegal, immoral, unethethical behavior as an adult...small wonder it gets transfered to the kids. You killed your own argument when you stated that you use your wife's prescription drugs recreationally.

Posted by fay2ntz (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Has anyone forgotten that just last week an article was published that all of the problems in the NASD was due to parents?? Where is the infamous Mrs. Arella Bacon now?? I would really like to know her reasoning behind this. With the rep that this school has had in the last few years, this teacher more than likely has brought this stuff on campus. Remember this time about two years ago there was a drug bust on that very campus.

Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have to agree with sammohon on this one. After I graduated high school, I was on the verge on alcoholism. I met a "pot head" who advocated marijuana over drinking. He used all of the arguments seen here on this thread. So I started smoking pot, thinking I was so much more functional in society, and I was so happy. Marijuana became nothing but a gateway drug to worse substance abuse. Before I knew it, I was addicted to cocaine. The only thing I looked forward to was scoring an 8-ball and partying away. The problem was I couldn't quit doing it even if it was 4 a.m. and the party was over. I was on the brink of self-destruction mixing drinking with all this substance abuse. Luckily, I realized that I wasn't just wasting my life and breaking the law. Through some biblical preaching, I realized more importantly, I had trangressed the perfect law of God and was a reprobate. I was separated from God by sin and I needed to get right. I repented of my sinful life, died to myself, and was born-again into a relationship with my Lord Jesus. I don't need all that junk anymore. Jesus is all the comfort I need. I digress somewhat, but I'm always excited to share what He did in my life.

The point is: Marijuana is conducive to more destructive behavior. I know, I've lived it. I also agree that marijuana is a lot safer than alcohol, but I don't look at it from a legality issue. I look at things as whether or not God is offended by it. This is not going to be popular, but before I became born again, I smoked cigarettes for twelve years. Smoking is simply free-basing drugs. Just like a crack-addict sets fire to a rock to receive an inhalation high, smokers set fire to nicotine to receive an inhalation high. And nicotine is more addictive than heroin and crack (if you take the scientists word for it, which I do). So, yes, we shouldn't have a teacher who smokes pot. It sets a bad example and may lead children down the path I treaded upon. See my 9:39 a.m. post for what I think about educators setting a higher standard.

BTW, krodgers: I know we usually agree on matters, but I am pretty shocked by your statement. I guess since you take drugs recreationally, you are not going to come down hard on this one. Still, I am surprised on this one.

Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Krogers, I still can't believe you, of all people, said that. It is illegal to use mj and other drugs, and to me it is especially bad to have someone that kids look up to (teacher, martial arts instructor) use them. I guess RLMS will never get to put up their "welcome to our drug free school" banner again.

Posted by GodsChild (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who knows?
The just maybe this guys’ wakeup call!!!!!

I don't agree with him for having or using the drugs. But remember that we all have sinned and came short of the glory of God.
So instead on downing him, we should be praying for him. Then at the same time we should be explaining our kids that this is why you don't use drugs!!!!!!!! You can ruin your future.

Posted by sideline (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 7:55 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by dottie (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Swapmeet, you said it all. Bless you and I'm so glad
I came back on and had the chance to see your post.

Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

csguidry: Please go see my 1:07 a.m., 9:39 a.m. and 6:55 p.m. posts. You will see that I am with you on this one. Totally unacceptable for an educator to be using drugs.

Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And Dottie: I appreciate the kind comments, but I would rather give Jesus the glory for being able to take a reprobate like me and give him new life.

Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 9:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Advocating it or not, this is 2008, not 1988!!!
Test all the faculty and then what? You ready to ax all who turn up positive? Then who would be running what?
I'm sure there are a few wondering bout their own lifestyle situations now.
It's just too common in this day. right or wrong its the way life works as we become more tolerable of things.
I was raised in this era and would much rather deal with a stoner than a thug!!!

Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I respect your opinion steve_o. I truly believe you would rather deal with a stoner than a thug, but why should you be forced to make a decision between the two. I think you have a right to be entitled to option c: "none of the above". As someone who is in a Teacher's Education Program at this moment, I can assure you that the fundamental difference between those who are earning a pay check and those who are making a difference in children's lives in the field of education can be summed up in one word: LOVE. I know it is cliche-ish, but as I watch future educators go through the curriculum, I can see the desire and passion in those who want to make a difference. I can also see the flippant attitude of apathy among those who just want to earn a pay check. Their attitude is "get me my diploma so I can start working". Those of us who care though are trying to absorb to greatest of our ability those instructional techniques and strategies which will make us reach our maximum potential in the education field.

People who are serious about making a difference in the lives of our future generation through the means of education do not care whether or not Joe Q. Public is holding us to a higher standard than most by observing our moral fabric (i.e. whether or not we are "tokin' it up" on the weekends). We don't need anyone on this thread to try to hold us up to a higher standard. Those us who care don't need drug tests for teacher's to hold us accountable and to a higher standard. Those of us who care will set the bar high ourselves. Those of us who care set a higher standard for ourselves than any parent of a student. Those of us who care don't view this as a job. We view it as a calling and I believe that there is no other job in which my rewards will be greater than as an educator.

I have put forth the motivation behind true educators in the previous paragraph to arrive at this point: As an educator, my students will only build their knowledge up to the level of discourse which I mete out. If my mind isn't stimulated because of the suppressing effects of marijuana, how can I expect my students' minds to be stimulated, and in case anyone wonders how I could possibly know that a person smoking marijuana can not have stimulated thought, go read my 6:55 p.m. post in this thread. I know. I could not formulate a well-constructed opinion as I have just done seven years ago. I'm not at all trying to brag because I believe humbleness was one of the greatest characteristics of my Lord Jesus that I want to emulate. I'm just trying to make the point that marijuana suppresses your intellect, and by osmosis of the classroom, your students receive the suppression also.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 10:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"No other book available today shows in such clear, easily readable detail, what these dangerous, mind-altering SSRI drugs are doing to ordinary, everyday people with no history of mental problems. Most were prescribed psychiatric SSRI drugs for periodic depression, PMS, weight gain, insomnia, acne, smoking, and other minor issues. In return, the drugs have taken thousands of people's lives. One knowledgeable doctor attributed 50,000 needless suicides to Prozac alone. "

"The only school shootings and recent workplace massacres where SSRI drugs aren't implicated, is where there was a deliberate attempt by authorities, parents, or the media, to cover up the facts of the case. The recent UCSB car killing was by a kid with a long history of SSRI use, and the latest workplace massacre by McDermott in Massachusetts was a classic Prozac killing, fitting the pattern of actions to the letter -- all clearly revealed in this book."

The above quotes are from 'The Shooting Drugs: Prozac and Its Generation Exposed', one of many books and articles about the dangers of the ssri drugs and ritalin like drugs that are routinely prescribed to school children.

Though these drugs are often shown in clinical trials to be no more effective, and sometimes less effective than sugar pills in addressing the symptoms they are prescribed for, schools are encouraged to identify potential new customers for this modern version of snake oil by programs like Teen Screne. The makers of these drugs are allowed by the FDA to design the trial procedures for these drugs and while tobacco and alcohol may not be advertised on television these toxic substances are heavily pushed in media and even by government programs.

Of the children under CPS care about one fifth are prescribed an average of seven drugs each, with some children taking as many as seventeen different drugs per day. In a congressional hearing one representative said this is because of the bad genetics these children come from, the same excuse that was used for the forced sterilization of about 90,000 Americans between 1925 and the mid 1970's.

Early clinical trials with rabbits and the first ssri drug had to be cancelled because the bunny rabbits started ripping each other apart.

Perception of the social acceptability of drugs of all types is based more on media hype than on any realistic consideration of the effects of the drugs. This propaganda is successfull because our public school educated society was never taught to question, only to accept what it was told.

If you want to fear drugs in school, take the time to learn something about the ones pharma and government are shovelling down the kids' throats. Read the clinical studies and the case studies, and take a little time to learn just how the FDA carries out its mission of providing us with safe drugs.

Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Swapmeet, While I think you are singing from your heart, and those ideas would make a wonderful world, to bad it don't work like that!
How many non-supressed kids you think you gone have in your pretty li'l classroom? How many with ADD (on meds) how many from broke or broken homes, one parent homes..etc...
Stimulating minds?maybe you can get 4-5 outta a class of 20+ Kids ( God bless the ones who really try) these days they are just happy to make it thru the day, Just like the parents that work all day.

Posted by kpage (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 10:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

steve_o...Try to think positive. When you do, positive things start happening for you. You seem to be telling Swapmeet there is no hope. As long as we breathe air, there is hope. Swap is one of the movers and shakers in our world...one who has faith that things CAN get better, but it happens one faithful person at a time.

Thanks for your inspiration Swap!!!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here are some diagnoses from the Diagnostic Manual psychiatry uses to figure out when your child needs "help".

Phonological Disorder
Caffeine Related Disorder
Conduct Disorder
Mathematics Disorder
Nicotine Use or Withdrawal Disorder
Non Compliance With Treatment Disorder
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Sibling Rivalry Disorder
Phase of life problem
Unspecified mental disorder

And there is a drug treatment for each of these. And next year there will be even more such "mental problems" discovered, if previous years are any indication.

How many of these disorders, and the other more common ones you are probably already aware of have an actual medical basis? None! The current attempt to find a genetic basis for the most disabling mental illness of all, schizophrenia, has discovered, amazingly enough, the yes, there is a genetic basis but it is composed of a variety faulty genes that differ from person to person. I hope public education has not left too many of you unable to understand that last sentence. For the ones who do have "comprehension defecit disorder", the latest genetic discoveries relating to schizophrenia are no discoveries at all! Every person has genetic defects of one sort or another, to say that these are the cause of schizophrenia is reaching at best.

Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 10:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry kpage , but you must have misunderstood my post!
Thinking positive is my middle name.
"Hope, as long as we are breathing air" is the only thing folks can come up with today.
I don't remember all this when I was going to school. They seem to be more interested in who can't perform and the reason why instead of concentrating on the ones who can perform. Too much time spent on the disfunctionals than the ones who perform exemplary!
But what you gone do? They all deserve the same attention!

Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 10:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

steve_o: I'm not just singing from my heart. I've implemented my philosophy on education in the classroom and it works. I must qualify what I say by letting you know that I am going to be an elementary school teacher. I was going to teach high school until I substituted at NHS and realized that the ones that really don't care are too old to change with positive thinking. That is why I wanted to teach kids because most of them are still moldable. The first thing I did when I substituted for several days in a row in a fourth grade class was to lay the law down. I let them know who was in charge, and if they chose to not follow my rules, they could find somewhere else (like the principal's office) to play their respective games. After I had their respect, I then started to teach them and show them that I cared whether or not they learned. Even those who were scared of me the first day were clinging to me and writing me these little notes saying "You rock" or "I love you". It was really touching, but more importantly, it demonstrated that children crave discipline because it shows them you care. I had one boy who is sometimes bad with his other teachers, but with me, he was great. We went to an assembly and he would not leave my side. I found out later he lost his dad when he was young. I'm willing to be a positive role model for people like that for a lifetime if needed if that's what it takes to make a difference. I realize steve_o that not everyone will be impacted. I am not a full-blown idealist. There is enough of a realist in me to understand that some kids will not care, but if I am able to be "that person" that a kid looks back at later in life and says "he made a difference in my life" , then I will consider my career a success. Besides, my Lord Jesus has clearly shown me that this is what He wants me to do with my life so it's not like I have a choice anyway. After working with those kids though, I see why it's my calling. My heart breaks for those who come from the broken homes you speak of steve_o. If I don't reach out to them, then who will? A teacher who smokes marijuana?

Posted by kpage (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 10:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No offense EnKi, but if I didn't give that little "ritalin-like" pill to my second grader, I would probably play hell trying to keep her from breaking into someone's house when she grows up. Stats do show children who do not take these medications when they are diagnosed with ADHD or other similar problems, are very likely to lead criminal lives and abuse drugs when they get older.
My little one never forgets her pill. How can a child be happy when her thoughts never slow down long enough to enjoy toys, books, etc.? They want to do good, but they just can't help it. Lighten up on the little ones, won't you?

Posted by ntzcitizen1 (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 10:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

(npdsucks)I had to respond to the statement about hiring someone that will put the children first, how can you expect the school system to put the children first when some of the parents haven't put them first, you can't expect somebody else to care more for these children if the parent (s) are not fighting for them. Even with that being said, it doesn't give the system a right to treat these children any kind of way, even if it is there fault or there wrong behavior. They are human and humans are prone to make mistakes just as ` Mr. Green has, Im sure his intention of leaving school was not to be in jail the next day or when ever it happen. But I am a firm believer what you do in the dark must come to the light and the devil has been exposed in this area just like he needs to be exposed to other wrongs that are being kept a secret. I am not condemning this man to hell because God is the only judge, we are call to witness not to judge but I hope he has learn from this. I always tell my children there are consequences to the choices you make whether they are good are bad, I encourage them to make right choices and sometimes they don't, but I will not stop loving them because they didn't, same goes for this man, yes he needs to be punished because he was in a leadership enviroment but yet he is human and was the one that got caught, so pray for him if you can get a prayer through instead of speaking negatively and let God do the rest. Another thing is, one must have the love, heart, and patience for teaching otherwise the only thing that will drive you to get up out of your bed is that paycheck to help pay those bills.

Posted by cooper3k1 (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 11:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It doesn't matter if alcohol, or cigarettes, or marijuana is worse. The point is that he broke the law by having marijuana in his possession. It is the same if you run a redlight with no cars coming or go 80 mph in a 70 mph zone with no other cars on the highway...you are breaking the law. And as long as possesion of marijuana is illegal, citizens need to uphold and respect the law.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 11:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

steve, public schools were set up to replace family influence in the lives of children. This is a historical fact. The reason women were recruited as teachers was to serve as surrogate mothers, but mothers trained by the state.

Each generation that has come through the schools has been less family oriented than previous generations and now we are seeing the cumulative effect on society. Public school is also designed to limit as much as possible the influence of individual teachers. That is why schools can receive federal funds for participating in certain approved scientifically based educational programs.

The truth is, Natchez schools are probably not that much worse than many other schools around the country if the students were tested according to a national standard and not a state standard.

A new school building is not going to do much to improve the educational level of the kids. Nor will more school police, nor more administrators, nor will more discipline. The problem is far deeper than any of those things.

Morris has said in an earlier article that shiny new schools would draw more kids back into the public schools. The hope, I am sure, he has is that if this did happen those kids would raise the average performance level at it is currently measured. This would benefit the school and administrators but would not do a thing for the kids.

Someone wrote a letter to the editor last week saying that like it or not today's children are going to have to compete in a global economy. There is only one way to compete in this environment, and that is by achieving a much higher level of education than our schools have produced for at least the last forty years. Microsoft is currently lobbying to make it easier for better educated young people from other countries to come here not just to fill the perceived education gap, but also to work for lower wages than equivalently educated Americans.

Aside from closing this staggering gap in math, science, and reading skills perhaps the best gift we can give to the children is to teach them to lower their material aspirations and prepare for a much lower standard of living.

Unless something drastic changes, the latter plan is more likely to be the ones the schools pursue than the former.

Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with that cooper. It was a misdemeanor offense. Let it be that.

Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"A new school building is not going to do much to improve the educational level of the kids. Nor will more school police, nor more administrators, nor will more discipline. The problem is far deeper than any of those things."
(quote from EnKiKur)

OK, so what we gone do?

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 11:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kpage, no offense to you either, but I would like to see these studies you speak of and who paid for them. Are you aware that if a child was prescribed ritalin that child will never be allowed to serve in the armed forces? And that in all liklihood that child will be denied some of the rights guaranteed by the constitution?

Are you aware of how disorders like ADHD get to be inclued in the DSM? Psychiatrists go to a convention and vote, without any studies, blood tests, brain scans, or any other material evidence that such a disorder exists. These disorders are voted into being by people who make upwards of 125 per 15 minutes treating them.

The theory these magicians work on is that problems of the sort you describe are caused by a chemical imbalance. What chemicals? They don't know, but they like to say it is serotonin or dopamine, or whatever. But they don't know, and the only way to tell is to take living brain tissue samples. Would you allow someone to take a living tissue sample of your daughter's brain?

You and no one else can predict what your child will do when she grows up. But chances are that if you provide her with a stable environment, love, proper nutrition, and the lessons in life you have learned, she will be just fine.

On the other hand, it is known that at least 15% of all persons admitted to psychiatric hospitals for acute psychosis are admitted due to medication reactions. While the future cannot be known, the past is in plain view, and the record against these medications is very damning.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like all of these liberal postings of the dopers are akin to the Owhampy crowd! The destruction of America is in process! People reading these postings wonder if these people are really from Natchez?

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

steve, this problem in education will take years to solve. Some possible starting places are getting the federal government out of education, getting the teacher's unions out, doing away with education degrees and hiring teachers who have a degree in some real discipline.

And another thing, the US Army already knows that the whole language method of teaching reading is the cause of the decline in literacy rates; they measured the decline as it was happening with the spread of whole language teaching. If the army knows the phonics method is superior to whole language, why doesn't the public school system know it?

The present form of education in public schools is no longer adequate, because all it ever attempted to do was to prepare the majority of students to labor, and a few to manage in a type of economy we no longer have.

The whole system needs to be reworked, and there is some movement in that direction. Schools need to recognize that humans don't come from molds, and they need to provide different learning streams for different types of students. Public education will never be able to meet the needs of all students as it is a mass effort, but it could unencumber those students who are academically motivated with those students who are not, by directing those who show promise into academic areas and by directing others into vocational areas at an earlier age.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 11:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

(En) You have hit the "nail" on the head again! Thanks for all of your input! Maybe some of these "Wonderers" will wake up before it is to late?

Posted by scarlettohara (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Rushing,

I think you and I are in agreement on this one. However, your usual pal KRogers seems to be swinging out in "left" field in this story. [see his above comments]

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 11:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like "K" has shot his "Wod"~if you know what I mean? I was really shocked at his postings today! Maybe he was relaxed on his wife's medicine? Maybe the Metro may be looking for him or the Feds?

Posted by scarlettohara (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 11:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL, Rushing!!

You and I may disagree on some issues, but I have always respected your posts. I don't remember seeing any low blows from you regarding any issues.

The only reason I addressed my last comment to you is that I typically have seen comments from both you and Krogers piggybacking one another. I'm VERY glad to see you not backing him up on this one! There's really no excuse for his stupidity on this one!

Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 11:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would like to chime in on what you said enkikur. From what I have been learning in my elementary education curriculum, phonilogical instruction and phonemic awareness are far superior to the whole language approach. I do not know what NASD's curriculum entails, but I can tell you that Alcorn State University is teaching us that whole language is an antiquated approach. I will say that we also have to take into consideration multi-cultural and instructional differences.

1. Multi-cultural: We must take into account these differences. For example, a classroom that has a majority of African-American children will not respond to a reading event if the main characters are all Caucasian, and conversely, a classroom that has a majority of Caucasian students will not respond to a story with the main characters being African-American. That's not being racial. It is a fact that young children are more likely to engage in a story which has characters they can identify with. For that reason, you would not sit there and try to shove Goldilocks in the Three Bears down the throats of NASD students and vice versa. You would also not have a lesson which has a theme in Christmas if you teach in a Jewish community. You would rather have a Hanukkah theme. You have to take into account socio-economic needs. Studies show that children from poor households will not have an enriched literacy environment in their home and therefore will not be on level with other children. I could go on. Point: take into account multi-cultural needs.

2. Instructional: There are basically three types of learners: visual, auditory, and tactile(touch). If a child is sitting in the back of the class with his head down and doodling on a notebook during a lecture, you are not to asssume he is not listening. That student could be an auditory learner. Other students need manipulatives to hold if they are tactile learners. There are common assessment tests out there to find out which category children fit into. This can be administered at the beginning of the year to focus your instruction to the student's respective instructional needs.

rushingjr: I have to say that I don't agree with the people advocating drug use either, but I must say that this is probably the first thread I have been a part of where some people had major philosophical beliefs and the dialogue did not turn ugly. For example: me and steve_o have not seen eye-to-eye on several points, but we have discussed with civility which is refreshing on these threads. This has been a rather stimulating dialogue on the state of our schools. You know I don't have anything against rushingjr, but try to keep ol' "Owhampy" out of this thread for just tonight. LOL.

Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnKiKur, 2 things you said that make sense:
1 - The present form of education in public schools is no longer adequate, because all it ever attempted to do was to prepare the majority of students to labor, and a few to manage in a type of economy we no longer have.
2 - this problem in education will take years to solve. Some possible starting places are getting the federal government out of education, getting the teacher's unions out, doing away with education degrees and hiring teachers who have a degree in some real discipline

How many years you think we have to solve these problems?
I think we are now seeing what our previous years of thinking are getting us.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with you on this 1000%! I have had no response from him by any means! I can't believe that he has not responded in any way?

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at midnight (Suggest removal)

The thing I have trouble with in regard to these discussions of breaking the law, is who in this particular case was harmed by Mr. Green's actions. If he has committed a crime, what victim will stand before him in court and so accuse him?

And if there is no victim, how is there a crime?

The constitution allows for courts to judge in three types of law: common law, equity, or admiralty. A common law crime requires a victim, equity is civil law, and admiralty is the law of merchants.

Since this can't be a common law case, or equity, it must be an admiralty case. But it can't be an admiralty case unless it involves an international contract. Is there an international contract involved? Or is this simply some type of legal action not provided for in the constitution?

Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 12:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Steve_o:

I am seriously not trying to be funny. When you say "a degree in discipline", do you mean....

a. A degree in a discipline such as math, science, etc.

or

b. A degree in discipline such as a big ol' mean whipping stick.

If it's the former, then I'm not so sure. I have learned a lot on the art of educating a child (see 11:53 p.m. post). If it's the latter, then I wholeheartedly agree. Corporal punishment needs to be back in the classroom. I lived through it and am a better person for it. I use corporal punishment on my daughter, but I explain to her what she did wrong, what I expect of her, and that I love her. It seems to be working because her teachers in her day care say she is probably the most well-behaved child there. I hear Franklin County uses corporal punishment, and I hear their discipline problems are not as bad as NASD. I know it is somewhat apples and oranges, but I've been told the same about Jefferson County. They say they run a tight ship there (or was it Claiborne?). Well...now I am just rambling and lost my train of thought.

Posted by maryhelpme (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 12:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ntzcitizen1 - I agree with you. Stop judging....the law will do what it needs to do and the Lord has the over all say. Some of the comments that I've read, I can't believe. Some of you have NOTHING to do in life but to sit and post comments and judge others. Get a GRIP and PRAY! God will be in control. Be Blessed!

Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 12:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

enkirk: I enjoy your knowledgable posts and you raise a fair question, but if there is no victim with someone caught with possession of marijuana, then who is the victim for someone who gets a DWI? There is no victim but there is a potential of a victim and I think in the same way there is a potential victim of those who are using marijuana. The most common victim is that person's own self. If you see my post from 6:55 p.m., you'll see where I speak of my ownself becoming a victim from marijuana by graduating to more dangerous things. Anyway, it will be a debate that will rage on, but seeing that I don't drink, smoke, or do drugs, they can outlaw it all as far as I'm concerned.

Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 12:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe the state of MS will say he commited a crime,... against it. based on exsisting laws with regard to unlawful possesion of banned products. Funny how they can tell you what you can and can't do or have. What happened to my civil rights? Maybe I wanna have a fire in my yard, sorry...burn ban in effect. Please.........

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 12:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

steve, I don't think mass education will ever work. It just goes against the way people are.

For instance, look at the way the school day is constructed, with students going from one teacher to another. If each teacher has six classes with 25 students, each teacher has 300 students in a days time. I know from experience that I learn more from people I have a bond with than from people I have no bond with, and this was much stronger when I was a child. The numbers are against teachers being able to form relationships conducive to teaching and learning.

And as Swapmeet points out, there is the cultural problem to be considered, though it has been the aim of public education to erase cultural differences under the guise of celebrating diversity.

Mass schooling is just not a good approach to education.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 12:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

you are right steve, the state of mississippi will likely say that Mr. Green committed a crime against the state. The state will not appear in court though, it will send a representative because the state is not a real person as Mr. Green is. The state is a corporate person, with the same rights as a real person, except that it cannot reason, feel, breath, or die.

This is a very real problem, that an artificial person can have the same standing in court that a real person has.

Swapmeet, a person cannot commit a crime against himself; crimes can only occur outside of one's self. A person owns himself. Can a person owe himself money, or pay himself money? No, he cannot because the source of any possession is the person himself, and since that is so a person has every right to any possession of his person.

Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 12:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mass education will only serve the purpose of getting the teachers thought patterns out to the masses. There is no time for being an individual today. "we gots tests tomorrow, no time for talking"
You wanna talk cultural, I am suprised it ain't been brought up already! Refreshing to see us carry on a civil conservation without it!!!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 12:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, steve, if too many people started thinking in a truly individual way the discontent we see in society today would be dwarfed by the new discontent.

What if too many people started poking around in the writings of the men who set up the country? Our whole present culture would be called into question.

People might begin to honor ideas like individual property rights, they might start to realize that all government exists through coercion and should therefore be as limited as possible. People might realize that in order to enjoy all the fruits of their labor they need a stable, sound money system based on gold and silver, they might realize that in such a system the nation's wealth would be in the pockets, homes, and land of the people who earn it instead of in a central banking system, that such de-centralized distribution of wealth afford more privilege to all.

Individual thinking is clearly dangerous to our way of life. I do believe someone realized that a long time ago, and what we have now is the result of ther assault on individual thinking.

Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 12:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

enkirk: You make a good point. Like I said from wayyyyyyy back in this thread... I don't look at it as a legality issue anyway (see 6:55 p.m. post).

steve_o: It's also nice that I can bring up the cultural issue like I did when I was talking about being an effective educator (2nd paragraph of 11:53 p.m. post) without people getting so defensive about the issue.

I think I must bow out now. I drive to Laurel every Sunday for worship so I must be getting some needed rest. It'll probably take five minutes to move my three year old because she lays across the bed instead of down it. LOL. Anyway, once again, I enjoyed the stimulating conversation on the school system. Glad it was civil. You all have a blessed night.

Posted by overthehill60 (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 1:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What really makes me sick is to go to my grandchildrens DARE meeting in Vidalia and I know one little girl's parents has a meth lab. That makes me sick! They don't even care for their child's safety. They were ran out of Natchez because of it, he not only supplies drugs, he also supplies names of buyers to save his own hide.

Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 1:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I concur with that train of thought EnKiKur. Who knows what would happen if the people would start thinking for themselves?
Just maybe we could be a proud nation instead of one that worries where the stock market is closing at tomorrow!!!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 1:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yes, and we can't have that! We all need to work to make sure those brokers can drive sweet cars and snort coke with sorority girls and high class hookers out at the country clubs and the fabulous new york nightspots. better for some to live the american dream than none, isn't it?

have a good night, see you later

Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 1:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

overthehill60, I sure ain't here to judge noone! To each his own!!!
Except we have 1 li'l girl that is seeing things no child should.
What you gone do? Call the law and they'll put her in a foster home. What can we as a society do to help people like this?

Posted by djarum_black (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 1:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's another, less-than-popular thought...

Swapmeet.. so, you went from marijuana to cocaine? What the..? Most of the lifestyle potheads I've met won't touch anything other than pot and maybe an occasional drink. Maybe you went insane on pot and couldn't stop until you'd taken cocaine and god knows what, but that could very well be due to the fact that you have an addictive personality. It happens. Just like some people have drug allergies, food allergies, and the like.. some people should NOT, under any circumstances, smoke pot or drink alcohol, etc. Clearly, some people cannot tolerate some substances, be they foods, drugs, or anything else. If I need a pain medication after a surgery, I can't take anything hydrocodone-based or I break out in hives and have breathing problems. I don't think it should be made illegal for everyone else who can handle it and may prefer it just because I can't.

Brace yourself for this idea.. but believe it or not, one could make the argument that your inability to maintain self-control without an organized religious structure dictating your actions would indicate that you have some serious problems and probably shouldn't be in the educational field. One might even be able to make the argument that you shouldn't go into public education because you have such a propensity to espouse your religious beliefs to the point that you could make a child (or co-worker) who is NOT christian quite uncomfortable with your "preachy" discussion topics.

I am NOT saying that there is anything wrong with you or your faith. I'm saying that there isn't anything wrong with anyone else's faith or even anyone else's LACK of faith. It's supposed to be a "free country", right? I AM saying that you should be aware of this possible scenario before you end up accused of creating a "hostile, intolerant environment" for the first jewish or hindu child you run into. It can, and very well MAY happen. I also think it SHOULD happen, as an integrated, multicultural, professional public setting is no place to grandstand about one religion or another. I'm not saying you haven't done a lot of changing, and really, good for you. SOME people are going to be convinced that you've swapped one compulsion (substances) for another (religious fervor).

I think people reading this who are so wholeheartedly convinced of just how WRONG marijuana use is, might be surprised if they actually knew how many of their family members and co-workers were using it. It's VERY widely used, and people aren't all "running around half-stoned". You don't have a drink Saturday night and run around all week half drunk because of that one drink. I don't use it, mainly because it is illegal and I don't particularly desire the liability that would come with it. Were it legal? Heck, I might (if I could get a full day off).

Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 1:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

um..ok, i think.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 1:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Those are interesting comments on religious structure djarum. Lately I've been thinking that the apparent decay in behavior in our country might be due largely to a loss of religious paradigms. People who have strong belief systems that include a moral structure have a framework for dealing with themselves and the world around them.

Some of the school problems people talk about indicate a lack of moral structure for governing behavior. This is not surprising if you think about it a bit, because in the early days the schools looked for ways to destroy traditional paradigms of individuality based in part on Protestantism, and in part on a disenchantment with Christianity.

We are a nation without a unified paradigm of moral values, the adherents of the various religions unable to see the commonality of all religions, and the intolerance of those with no belief for those with belief. My observation is that the basic humanity of all people becomes encapsulated in whatever paradigm one is caught up in, but for some reason we are resistant to recognizing the humanity in paradigms outside of our own.

Whatever eventually replaces the old paradigms, and survival demands that something must, cannot be forced on the people from outside but must arise spontaneously from within. This will be a slow process but I think it will happen for it is in the interst of all to live in harmony.

Until this merger of value occurs we will continue to be as we are now, people in transition.

Posted by trulyblessed (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 1:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If there were drug tests done to employees and administrators of this school district or city employees for that matter, a WHOLE LOT of people will be revealed. There are so many heavy drinkers working in the school district too. Just take a trip to Bowie's on Thursdays or 2 for 1 drinks or Cinco De Mayo at LaFiesta.

Posted by overthehill60 (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 1:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The family HAS been reported but & was ran out of Natchez for manufacturing in a church zone. It doesn't do any good to repoert him because he is tipped off before the raid & everything is gone. Makes you wonder about the police doesn't it.
I only hope the child doesn't know about it. It's been going on all her short life so I guess she just thinks it's part of Daddy's job. She's older now & soon she will be learning thanks to DARE.
As for reporting to the welfare that's a bigger laugh than telling the police.

Posted by SayItRight (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 6:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Random drug testing would definitely deter drug use by school officials and teachers. If one doesn't care enough not to partake of illegal substances in order to keep their job, then they shouldn't keep it.

Two bags? Sounds like he does think about his future, only in a different way than he should have. That is, if he is guilty of what is being reported.

Posted by VillageIdiot (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That this article is front page news is what I find most scandalous... and that a "tip" led to this arrest. Was Mr. Green already on administrative leave before the arrest? Was there an incident at RLMS prior to the arrest? Nothing against citizens contributing information about criminal activity to law enforcement-- it's vital in making our community a safer place to live and work. However, a degree of tolerance also comes along with this responsibility. In my opinion, this should have been reported as a single line in the "For the Record" and nothing more.

President Jimmy Carter acknowledged: "Penalties against drug use should not be more damaging to an individual than the use of the drug itself. Nowhere is this more clear than in the laws against the possession of marijuana in private for personal use."

Is our community safer now? Now that a citizen has been arrested in the "privacy" of his own home, publicly ostracized, and stands to lose his job for a MISDEMEANOR crime? Mr. Green should consult legal counsel. It is my understanding that simple possession of less that 30 grams (first offense) is a misdemeanor which should should not result in arrest, but rather a summons with a fine of between $100-200 dollars. Only 30 grams or less within a vehicle (excluding the trunk) should be cause for arrest, punishable by up to 90 days incarceration and a fine of up to $1000. Maybe there's more here than reported? A prior arrest perhaps? We do not know this to be a fact and shouldn't assume such.

Regardless of your feelings about marijuana usage, the pros and cons, etc, it is a fact that Americans continue to smoke more marijuana than all other countries in the world combined. Since 1993 more than 8 million Americans have been arrested for marijuana related crimes. About 88% of all marijuana arrests are for possession - not manufacture or distribution. There is a marijuana arrest every 40 seconds in the USA. People from all walks of life... plenty of fodder to fill newspaper columns.

The real crime here is the continued disintegration of our civil rights, not to mention the hypocritical moral stances and witch hunts which our society not only perpetuates but condones. How long will it be before an "anonymous tip" leads to angry mobs ringing your doorbell over comments or opinions expressed in these very blogs? Read the Privacy Agreement again folks... afterall, “Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.”

Posted by Bobaloo (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i sure am glad my mom did not give me meds when i was 8 years old because she could not figure out how to deal with my youthfulness otherwise.

Posted by Bobaloo (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the biggest cash crop in the US..... ? WEED.

As Peter Tosh said...... "Legalize it, don't criticize it."

All-time high for homegrown as pot becomes top cash crop in US
Dan Glaister in Los Angeles
The Guardian

Marijuana is now the biggest cash crop grown in the US, exceeding traditional harvests such as wheat, corn and soy beans, says a new report.
The study shows that 10,000 tonnes of marijuana worth $35.8bn (£18.4bn) is grown each year; the street value would be even higher. This dwarfs the $23bn-worth of corn grown, $17.6bn-worth of soybeans and $12.2bn-worth of hay. Marijuana is the biggest cash crop in 12 states, with the value of pot grown outstripping peanuts in Georgia and tobacco in North and South Carolina. In California, the biggest producer, it is worth $13.8bn.

The report, Marijuana Production in the US, by DrugScience.org, which wants marijuana to be reclassified, says the drug is listed as a Schedule 1 drug, deemed to have no medicinal value and a likelihood of abuse. Other such drugs include heroin.

The author, Jon Gettman, says the figures show the war on drugs is not working: "Illicit marijuana cultivation provides considerable unreported revenue for growers without corresponding tax obligations to compensate the public for the social and fiscal costs related to [its] use."

His suggestion that the crop be legalised and taxed was rejected by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

The report says output in the US has grown tenfold in the last 25 years.

The boom in domestic production has in part been fuelled by tougher border controls after 9/11. As smuggling from Mexico has become more difficult the drug cartels have moved their operations into the US, often creating plantations in remote national park land.

Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

kpage, I'm really sorry you feel you have to give your child ritlin. The teachers at ACCS wanted me to get my son on ritlin many years ago. That was one reason I started homeschooling my kids. Yes it was hard and there were many times he tried my patience - but patience comes through tribulation. And I can look at him now and be so proud of all he has accomplished I know it was all worth it.

Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Is it mandatory for school teachers & others working at school to have a urine drug test? If not, WHY!

Posted by sideline (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by iconoclast (anonymous) on March 29, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For those complaining that Mr. Green hasn't yet been fired as well as hanged in public, everyone in America deserves due process. One thing that would help this school district would be to stop hiring every yoko that graduates from Alcorn. That place is little more than a diploma mill.

Why wasn't this removed. Its about as offensive as the statement I made. The site staff is a whole lot of BULL.

Posted by priya (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sorry I have to get involved here, because when children have ADHD or other things. I think back to when i was a child and played outside all day till the street lights came on. Now adays children are sitting infront of TV all day with TV games and the only exercise they get is from going to the kitchen during comercials most children that are on them kinds of meds is because parents dont want them messing up their homes. I say kick them outside to play for a few hours. I took in a 15 year old girl on a mixture of medications and took her off them now she is a beautiful 21 year old. most of them meds and with her school told me how bad she was with math. so I agreed to put her back on the meds. When we got out to the car she told me that she was bad in math with the meds so i had her go back and say a little white lie that she was taking her meds. the next report was how wonderful she had become and thanking for putting her back on meds( that she wasnt taken). Most my 16 year old sons friends is diagnosed with Bipolar so I came to the understanding that this is the new diagnose for ADHD!!!!

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For everyone on these postings that are advocating the use of drugs, YOU do need help! What more can I say? Maybe Metro needs to visit you or the Feds!

Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

((rushinghjr)) I aggree %100 on that. Anyone that is advocating drugs is either on them or selling
I graduated in "67 and I may have been very naive & didn't know what drugs were, but I know I never even suspected it.
Maybe we Old Senion Citizens should have our own "Senior Citizens Woodstock" Instead of PUSHING drugs we can tell some horror stories to young children that will live an impact on their lives forever. Let's think about this it may help our future gerneation and it may also help people that are already addicted. In stead of burning the American flag we can burn a Cannabis flag. Sitting our our butts talking is not helping we have got to do somethng for the future of our children & grandchildren before it's too late!

Posted by dmackZuluking (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The good thing about this situation is that this young man may lose this Job, but will not serve any jail time because the simple possession charge of marijuana is a misdemeanor. This is a slap on the wrist by even the law. The school should be set up for it's employees also to have counselling in areas where they can get help.

Posted by overthehill60 (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SCREENING, SCREENING is the best way to keep the thugs on their toes! Until they do complete thoural screening it is going to continue in schools, police officers, hospitals, construction site any everywhere else.
Drugs are much easier to get than a medicine that will save the live of a baby.
Look at the innocent faces of the children in todays newspaper, let's as adults do something that will make their lives worth living for.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The gentleman in question deserves his day in court! That's his "Due Process"! He is innocent until proven guilty! I'm sure that the Natchez-Adams School System has procedures set up and has had them for years? He may not be guilty! I also hope that the School Board gives testing to all employees, including Board Members! I've been involved in Law Enforcement for many years! Support your NPD and your ACSO, along with our MHP! More later!

Posted by kpage (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

overthehill60, though it's a good idea to drug screen employees, unfortunately the majority of these tests do not test for alcohol. I sure wouldn't want my friendly family pharmacist shooting up heroin, but how do I know if he/she is drunk?
Here's a scenario...the drunk pharmacist wrongly fills a baby's prescription. Since he passed his drug screen, he is not considered a threat. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I wonder if the screens today test for alcohol?

Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kpage, remember the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" with Jimmy Stewart? That is exactly what happened in that movie. At work, I had to do the drug screening, and you would not believe some of the lies and excuses I got for why they couldn't take the test that day. We even had a woman who talked about her two small kids during the interview test positive for mj and cocaine. She said she had been around someone smoking the mj and the cocaine must have been slipped into her drink. Stupid people!

Posted by ideucate (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Point blank...NASD employees especially teachers and principals should accept the responsibility of being professional role models for their students/our children. I guarantee you that the behavior at some of these schools would not be as bad if this was the case. The kids at NHS would not act the way they do if they had people worthy of respect running the school. The security guard is childish and lazy and his eyes are always blood shot red. Some of the principals' eyes are too and they always have loud cologne mixed with cigarettes/cigars' scent. If they had people who were role models like Coach Reed as principals I guarantee you that Discipline problems would decrease and academic successes would increase. Just a thought. I would like someone to get a straight answer from someone in central office as to why they are against testing employees, at least the ones that we speculate ( KNOW !!!) are on drugs. Their answer should be interesting. Maybe they can get a lady who always has dark sunglasses on inside of the building and a cup of coffee to give us an answer.Don't the students deserve this. I don't want my children around anyone who uses drugs or alcoholics that come to work with hangovers and moody especially those that are supposed to teach them. I bet GNC will be getting more business real soon . lol

Posted by overthehill60 (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

((rushinghjr))So many people are in deninal. There are all kind of addictions, child abuse , spoucal abuse, drug abuse, alcohol abuse & even animal abuse. The list can go on forever. I'm sure we all know someone with some kind of abuse.
This is completely away from the subject at hand, but I just had to make a point after I heard some disturbing news.

Posted by unclered (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The comment about the NHS assistant principal that was fired in Louisiana brings up a good point. One thing that would help the NASD would be to stop hiring Concordia Parish rejects. And then there is the incompetent athletic director Natchez has. Did you know he is on the Concordia Parish School Board as well? Apparently screwing up in one district isn't enough.

Posted by priya (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree the military does surprise drug screening at least once a year or more. why should businesses only drug screen during the hiring process. If schools did drug screening on teachers and they walk out it should be considered resignation because they are guilty.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There is no excuse for this type of behavior! It very definately us all in many ways! I also understand that there are exceptions to a "zero tolerance rule"!

Posted by Incognito (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 6:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah rushing, If you want to know, I am an Obama supportor and am proud! What Mr. Green did was wrong, yes, but I strongly feel that he can be rehabilitated and be more useful to society (cleaned of course). If processes are inefficient, you tweak them to make those processes better.

Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 7:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Please!
yep, go on and give everbody a drug test! It will probably turn out that your worst fears are correct. The one installing your new carpet is guilty. And so is the one cooking yo fast food. Trash man? probably. meter reader? probably. Not to be taking any one group of people to task but it would probably be easier to say that it's pretty widespread. Remember, this is 2008, not 1988

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 11:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

(Incognito) What has Owhampy got to do with the green subject? In all of my postings, i did not mention his name! In fact, I took up for him, while others had found him guilty!

Posted by sparky018 (anonymous) on March 30, 2008 at 11:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can We Say Random Drug Testing? I have them at my work! If I want to keep my job, I know I better not do what is wrong or for that matter, ILLEGAL!

Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on March 31, 2008 at 12:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Begging your pardon there csguidry." Looking the other way?" What way you looking my friend? Wake up and smell the roses! If you don't see what is going on around you with the proliferation of drugs, be it legal prescriptions or the street way, that is the way society works today!!! Headache, we can help you. Sinus, we can help you,
Drugs are drugs. Take em at your on risk!
Young, me?, You said it all with:
" Guessing from your post I will assume that you are young. That is not a bad thing and I am definitely not holding that against you but, I have some age on me and have life experience and with that comes wisdom. I have seen the effects for most of what life and the world has to offer both good and bad. When you have children and a family of your own and you get some age on you then you will see what those of us who are against all this is talking about"

Wisdom?, give me a break, you do what you gotta do to survive today!Thank the good lord my kids are grown and living productive lives!!

"When you have children and a family of your own and you get some age on you then you will see what those of us who are against all this is talking about"

Touche, my friend csguidry!!! Your plan ain't working!!!

Posted by linenbreeze (anonymous) on March 31, 2008 at 6:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just the simple urine screening test is NOT always accurate. Certain over the counter cold medicines & prescription nasal sprays can show a positive result for several drugs. The same urine can be tested a different way, but the police don't want to take the time to do it.

Posted by priya (anonymous) on March 31, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sorry linenbreeze but ive heard that story to about sesame seeds and pot but who wants to eat a whole cup full of sesame seeds. If you have a cold than it will be noticed before the drug tests are done. the over the counter meds are abused too and heard other things that cover illegal use but most people that say them things are trying to cover up illegal drug use

Posted by VillageIdiot (anonymous) on March 31, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Firstly I do not use, nor do I advocate the use of illegal drugs of any type. I'd have to state that I do not advocate use of drugs of any kind (alcohol, tobacco, etc). Period. I also do not consider myself a Liberal. Modern Conservative is possibly more accurate. I have also personally witnessed tragedies and suffered losses brought about through drug abuse. Now having said that, how many readers out there are content that what is currently being done and has been done in the past (War on Drugs) is an effective solution? Maybe more of the same is required? Heavier artillery? Is reform a possible solution? As with any of my posts, I'm not attempting to do anything here except ask folks to think outside the box a little, question the status quo and examine things from multiple perspectives.

It's safe to assume that not everyone reading the Democrat knows who William F. Buckley was, so...

William Frank Buckley, Jr.

(November 24, 1925 – February 27, 2008) was an American author and conservative commentator. He founded the political magazine National Review in 1955, hosted 1429 episodes of the television show Firing Line from 1966 until 1999, and was a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist. His writing style was famed for its erudition, wit, and use of uncommon words.

Buckley was "arguably the most important public intellectual in the United States in the past half century," according to George H. Nash, a historian of the modern American conservative movement. "For an entire generation he was the preeminent voice of American conservatism and its first great ecumenical figure."

Buckley's primary intellectual achievement was to fuse traditional American political conservatism with economic libertarianism and anti-communism, laying the groundwork for the modern American conservatism of US Presidential candidate Barry Goldwater and US President Ronald Reagan.

Buckley came on the public scene with his critical book God and Man at Yale (1951); among over fifty further books on writing, speaking, history, politics and sailing, were a series of novels featuring the character of CIA agent Blackford Oakes. Buckley referred to himself "on and off" as either libertarian or conservative. He resided in New York City and Stamford, Connecticut, and often signed his name as "WFB." He was a practicing Catholic, often attending the traditional Latin Mass in Connecticut.

(continued)

Posted by VillageIdiot (anonymous) on March 31, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

William F. Buckley Jr.

June 29, 2004, 12:07 p.m.

Free Weeds
The marijuana debate.

Conservatives pride themselves on resisting change, which is as it should be. But intelligent deference to tradition and stability can evolve into intellectual sloth and moral fanaticism, as when conservatives simply decline to look up from dogma because the effort to raise their heads and reconsider is too great. The laws aren't exactly indefensible, because practically nothing is, and the thunderers who tell us to stay the course can always find one man or woman who, having taken marijuana, moved on to severe mental disorder. But that argument, to quote myself, is on the order of saying that every rapist began by masturbating. General rules based on individual victims are unwise. And although there is a perfectly respectable case against using marijuana, the penalties imposed on those who reject that case, or who give way to weakness of resolution, are very difficult to defend. If all our laws were paradigmatic, imagine what we would do to anyone caught lighting a cigarette, or drinking a beer. Or — exulting in life in the paradigm — committing adultery. Send them all to Guantanamo?

Legal practices should be informed by realities. These are enlightening, in the matter of marijuana. There are approximately 700,000 marijuana-related arrests made every year. Most of these — 87 percent — involve nothing more than mere possession of small amounts of marijuana. This exercise in scrupulosity costs us $10-15 billion per year in direct expenditures alone. Most transgressors caught using marijuana aren't packed away to jail, but some are, and in Alabama, if you are convicted three times of marijuana possession, they'll lock you up for 15 years to life. Professor Ethan Nadelmann, of the Drug Policy Alliance, writing in National Review, estimates at 100,000 the number of Americans currently behind bars for one or another marijuana offense.

Posted by VillageIdiot (anonymous) on March 31, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

(continued from above)

What we face is the politician's fear of endorsing any change in existing marijuana laws. You can imagine what a call for reform in those laws would do to an upward mobile political figure. Gary Johnson, governor of New Mexico, came out in favor of legalization — and went on to private life. George Shultz, former secretary of state, long ago called for legalization, but he was not running for office, and at his age, and with his distinctions, he is immune to slurred charges of indifference to the fate of children and humankind. But Kurt Schmoke, mayor of Baltimore, did it, and survived a reelection challenge.

But the stodgy inertia most politicians feel is up against a creeping reality. It is that marijuana for medical relief is a movement which is attracting voters who are pretty assertive on the subject. Every state ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana has been approved, often by wide margins. Of course we have here collisions of federal and state authority. Federal authority technically supervenes state laws, but federal authority in the matter is being challenged on grounds of medical self-government. It simply isn't so that there are substitutes equally efficacious. Richard Brookhiser, the widely respected author and editor, has written on the subject for The New York Observer. He had a bout of cancer and found relief from chemotherapy only in marijuana — which he consumed, and discarded after the affliction was gone.

Posted by VillageIdiot (anonymous) on March 31, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

(continued from above)

The court has told federal enforcers that they are not to impose their way between doctors and their patients, and one bill sitting about in Congress would even deny the use of federal funds for prosecuting medical marijuana use. Critics of reform do make a pretty plausible case when they say that whatever is said about using marijuana only for medical relief masks what the advocates are really after, which is legal marijuana for whoever wants it.

That would be different from the situation today. Today we have illegal marijuana for whoever wants it. An estimated 100 million Americans have smoked marijuana at least once, the great majority, abandoning its use after a few highs. But to stop using it does not close off its availability. A Boston commentator observed years ago that it is easier for an 18-year old to get marijuana in Cambridge than to get beer. Vendors who sell beer to minors can forfeit their valuable licenses. It requires less effort for the college student to find marijuana than for a sailor to find a brothel. Still, there is the danger of arrest (as 700,000 people a year will tell you), of possible imprisonment, of blemish on one's record. The obverse of this is increased cynicism about the law.

We're not going to find someone running for president who advocates reform of those laws. What is required is a genuine republican groundswell. It is happening, but ever so gradually. Two of every five Americans, according to a 2003 Zogby poll cited by Dr. Nadelmann, believe "the government should treat marijuana more or less the same way it treats alcohol: It should regulate it, control it, tax it, and make it illegal only for children."

Such reforms would hugely increase the use of the drug? Why? It is de facto legal in the Netherlands, and the percentage of users there is the same as here. The Dutch do odd things, but here they teach us a lesson.

Posted by priya (anonymous) on March 31, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hi Swapmeet... I think most people have been down that same road , but they dont want to admit it like you. As for pot head or thugs would there be thugs if there wasnt any pot?!? As for most teenagers and young adults that ive seen are usually complaining about lower back pains and other things like carpal tunnel syndrome and I blame most of this on because kids arent exercising like my generation did. Have you seen how large are children