Conviction

Patients, Not Criminals  by rcw

It's been fifteen years, more or less, since California's Prop 215 passed. Since that time, upwards of 20 states have come on board in support of medical cannabis.

Yet patients are still being busted, legal suppliers and gardens are still being raided.

At the same time, places like California are taxing the proceeds of making medicine available to patients, even though no other medicine is currently being taxed if it is recommended by a physician.

Human beings doing what they do best...finding ways to mess with one another.  And we wonder why we can't find peace.  Heck, we can't even let go of our domestic hypocrisy....how does anyone expect us to get rid of our global hypocrisy?

We gotta begin doing so on the home front....starting with our individual selves. We gotta start living like we mean it.

For today, Fifty Five Is The New Conviction...renewing and reviving our moral centers, starting within.

Sound

Our studio sits at the ready, we're making new recordings again.  We finally have a recording device that actually works and is simple enough for someone with my addled brain to operate.

Praise be!

So we do have a couple of new tunes out already and are working on the videos even as this is being written.

Got to keep the creative juices flowing, especially in these crazy times.


So for now, Fifty Five Is The New Sound ....us! Back in action again!

Drug War

Moonscape Fractal  by rcw

Forty years ago yesterday (2/16), the Drug War in America was declared.
Where has it gotten us?

Some may argue that drugs are evil, that they destroy lives   There are people who have problems with drugs; but just how much exposure and demand would have taken place without prohibition?  I think that's the real culprit.

How can we know how to act responsibly if we're not given the option to be responsible?

Now I'll admit to having had my moments dabbling in different substances back in the '60s....but I soon got most of it out of my system. I think we have to figure out how to make life more worthwhile for ourselves, then perhaps we won't have to run away from it so much....so deeply.

At the same time, a certain bit of intoxication is actually okay....and we aren't the only species who thinks so.  Ever watch a cat with catnip?  I rest my case.

For today, Fifty Five Is The New Drug War....Moderation not prohibition.   End the Drug War.  40 years of Injustice and a failed

March

Rain out the studio window

It's raining....we just got back from an appointment and got inside before it started.
Absently I turned on the t.v..

 The news is disturbing; Iran has a naval presence heading to dock near Syria. The ships are going through the Suez Canal tonight.

This has never happened before.  Why?
I am concerned.  The times we are living in are dangerous and wanton.

Some people think there is a 12th Imam in the works.  Some people think this is a good thing, others think it means the "anti-Christ."

As I said, we live in interesting times. 

Some folks say that there is a holy war in progress, from Libya and Iran and other far-flung places.

We are all part of the universe - even Yemen. Even Bahrain, even Jordan....even Iran...but there's blood, blood, blood in the streets.  We sit here in our ivory towers, huddled in our beds with covers up to our noses....feigning fascinated interest.

What is going on?  Some folk call it the end of the world.  Some call it change.  Growing unrest it's called by others...in the Sudan, the Ivory Coast....even closer to home, in Mexico. 

We're on the verge of it here as well, as prices rise and wages lag or completely disappear.  Those on disability benefits are in danger too. Something's gotta give.  My hope is that civilization is not the victim but the victor.  My fear is that we may have some grave times ahead.  My prayer is that we as a species survives and moves on to something better, far better than what it seems we're heading for now.

I think it a good idea to stock up now on rice, canned goods, charcoal, water and cat needs now, before prices go any higher.

May the Holy Spirit of Peace and the Healing Power of Love abide and grow in the Hearts and the Minds of All. Amen.

2/15 Revisited

Blessing for Medical Cannabis   by rcw

It's February 15.
To the Medical Cannabis Community it  is an important date, celebrated with a week of activities ranging from public planting of cannabis seeds to Open House forums and parties.

When the SFPC was up and running, it usually hosted a Health Fair/Party that included guest speakers, entertainment, information and lots of food.

The Co-Op folks viewed cannabis as a sacrament, as a gift from the Cosmos, as something positive in the world.  We blessed our medicine every day at 4:20 with our patients.  Also, when new medicine came into the back office, it was blessed by one of us ordained folk before it was processed.

I've received a few calls today from folks wishing a happy 2/15.  Familiar voices, beloved people....true friends.

I didn't attend any of the events this time; no particular reason, just didn't feel like going out and being social.
Sometimes I think it's because all I hear about is how much people miss the Co-Op.  On the one hand it feels good to know that the project actually did do what it set out to do.  On the other hand, it sure makes me feel bad when folks start crying over the loss of their Medical Cannabis Community Center. 

I blame myself for its demise and hope that someone, somewhere revives the dream of a place for patients to be; uninhibited, able to participate in activities, receive services, see friends...able to see their history housed and displayed, able to spend time without being told to leave after an hour.

For today, Fifty Five Is The New 2/15 Revisited...in honor of Prop 215, and the community it built.

Valentine's Day Wish

Jack

Some people are fortunate enough to find the love of their life, others are not.  And then there are those who find something even more, even grander than any mere romantic relationship could bring.

I am one of those lucky people.

With Jack I have a trusted partner, a creative soul-mate and friend as well as all the usual stuff.

I'm keeping this entry short, just a thought in passing....may the world find a place to allow the seeds of love to grow.

Please....let love grow.

Thoughts on Love

Jack  2011

 Never thought I'd find true love, and wasn't looking for it when I met Jack.

For some reason I just feel like writing about our love today. Of course the news is brimming with a hundred different topics more earth shattering than this, but once in a while a person has to pull back and remember their own lives....take time to appreciate what they have so they can gain strength for whatever is next.

I am blessed having such a companion and friend; sure makes the uncertain times a little easier to handle.

For today, Fifty Five Is the New Thoughts of Love...wishing everyone be as lucky as me.