Medicinal weed, Scooter Libby, and much more...

It seems the United States' policy on drugs is fast becoming draconian and outdated. Not only is it money not well spent, but the many resources pushed into controlling, mandating, and incapacitating its uses and users has the goveernment stretched beyond it's limits, not to mention the uselessness of the many anti-drug programs in place. With up to 10 states mandating the medical uses of marijuana, the federal government's stand on said product needs to fall in line with the medical world. But being out of step with the scientific community is nothing new for this government, especially this administration. Despite overwhelming scientific, historical, and anecdotal evidence to the contrary, the US refuses to acknowledge the very important part marijuana could play in relieving the pain and suffering of millions of cancer and AIDS victims. With a new study (http://alternet.org/drugreporter/48749/) that gives proof positive of the medicinal benefits of an earth grown drug that is as old as the Ancient Greeks, add this policy to the long list of failed ones this country has embarked on in the last few decades...

Speaking of draconian...a former White House adviser and croney of VP Cheney is hoping the same cannot be said of his impending punishment. After 10 days of deliberating, a jury has found Lewis 'Scooter' Libby guilty on 4 of 5 counts brought against him by the federal government from the investigation stemming from the outing of a covert CIA agent. For all of his efforts, especially those aimed at keeping both the President and the Vice President out of harm's way, Libby faces up to 25 years in prison, although serving that entire sentence is unlikely. What is more likely to happen, as a reward for becoming the fall guy in this criminal circus, is a Presidential pardon for the estranged Libby. Both Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Senator Harry Reid are calling, unofficially, on the president to denounce this plan of action, and for once, let someone in this administration be held responsible for reprehensible actions...