Tommy Chong Will Be Free in Prison

AlterNet ^ | Sept. 16, 2003 | Debra McCorkle

[Kenton]

I wonder if this is why Tommy left "That 70s Show"...

[ClearCase_guy]

Henry David Thoreau said that those who are in prison are in essence the most free.

Thoreau was an idiot (and not just because of this quote).

[TXnMA]

Throw away the key...

[ChadsDad]

who was such an outspoken Young Republican that it was hard to garner much sympathy for him even within the tobacco accessories industry.WTF?

[kjam22]

I do agree with the article to the extent that when Chong gets out of prison.... he'll just have more material for his "act".

[Dead Corpse]

hrow away the key...

And the key should be thrown away why again? Because Tommy was selling a "legal" product? Because Tommy wasn't actually selling drugs?

Hammers are used in B&E's and in murders. Maybe we should go after Craftsmen and Sears next...

[Wolfie]

WTF?

Not Chong. That's a reference to this guy.

[Wolfie]

Because of the court's refusal to accept this devil's bargain to turn Tommy Chong into another horrible Just Say No advertising shill for the Partnership for a Drug Free America, Chong is a free man. For the mere price of nine months in jail, he can spend the rest of his life as a hero for libertarian ideals. He doesn't have to kiss John Ashcroft's ass. He doesn't have to be a liar and a hypocrite.

Silver lining ping.

[PBRSTREETGANG]

Chong continued to use the character and his personal belief in the goodness of marijuana when he lent his name to a glass pipe company as well as a drug detox product. Both Nice Dreams Enterprises (operating as Chong Glass) and Tommy Chong's Urine Luck were successful tax-paying companies.

Tommy Chong's Urine Luck is "a drug detox product"? Sounds more like something designed to help the buyer beat urine tests.

[glock rocks]

http://www.urineluck.com/products3.cfm

[Mr. Bird]

Because Tommy was selling a "legal" product?

I'm bummed that Chong is in jail, but while the product may be legal, it is my understanding that selling it over the web was in fact illegal. Stupid law, maybe, but he wasn't thrown in jail without being found guilty of a crime.

[steve50]

For some reason I just can't picture Tommy doing an anti pot piece for the feds. I can see a spoof of such an ad campaign making him some bucks when he's out. Should be a classic.

[Huck]

Operations Pipe Dreams

This is the DEA version of busting the squeegie guys. Remember Guliani in NYC? I don't think they think this will have an affect on drug use (I was gonna get high, but since I can't buy a pipe, I'll go to church instead?)

But it sends a msg that the law is out there and we'll break your face so wise up. It's supposed to intimidate and send a msg, and also to make people anxious for the DEA to be successful more satisfied.

That's just a guess, but that's how I see it. You want a pipe? Take a pepsi can, poke little holes in the side with a push pin to create a little 1" diameter screen. Poke a 1/4" hole in the side for a "carb." Instant pipe.

There's always home depot if you need a bong. I suppose the glass pipes are sought after by meth and crack users. I don't know what homemade designs exist for them, but there must be a million of them. Store bought paraphenalia is boutique stuff. Showpieces.

[Wolfie]

Take a pepsi can, poke little holes in the side with a push pin to create a little 1" diameter screen. Poke a 1/4" hole in the side for a "carb."

Heh...I've done that MacGuyver move more than a few times.

[MamaTexan]

Stupid law, maybe, but he wasn't thrown in jail without being found guilty of a crime.

Codes, statutes, ordinances and acts are not laws, nor does government have the authority to define 'crime'.

[jmc813]

WOD Ping

[StriperSniper]

I don't know what homemade designs exist for them,

That very same 'Coke'(I hate Pepsi even if Britney does/did commercials for them ;-) can can be used. After you prepare it the way you described, just add ashes on top of the 'screen' and plop the rock on top. It's not nearly as efficient, but it works. By adding the ashes from a cigarette, nearly any pipe that is used for smoking pot will work. So I've heard.

[PBRSTREETGANG]

Thanks for the link. So it looks like "urine detox product" would be a bit more accurate.

[sweet_diane]

"Chong's attorney Richard Hirsch had offered the court a deal for leniency: Chong would repudiate his involvement with marijuana and the bong industry and promised to spend his probation making appearances speaking against drug use."

The fact that it was his attorney that came up with the deal bothers me. In his comedy act he referred to his sons working the business. If he offered this deal to protect his children, I could certainly understand that.

Tommy Chong has worked since the 70's. Over the years, before That 70's Show he'd pop up here and there and did the comedy club circuit (a really funny act with his wife Shelby). He's supported his family and paid taxes while jumping thru hoops for the local law enforcement as he toured... every little podunk town wanted to be the one to bust Tommy Chong.

He is in a position to be a reasonable voice by means of his chosen profession. Ozzy's child was involved... Ozzy had to do what he felt was right as a parent so when he turned WODdie I could relate. Tommy Chong had alot of bravado in his club act and I hope he can back it up.