Free Republic

Okay, we all have heard the argument that MJ is not a bad drug, it is not a gateway and is not a violence-producing mechanism, all to the tune of how the WOD is a waste of resources and effort etc. Here is a short article that discusses some of the issues and presents some interesting facts. Let's not let our opinions get in the way too much.... https://imprimis.hillsdale.edu/marijuana-mental-illness-violence/

WASHINGTON – Barack Obama rode a wave of voter passion in 2008 fed largely by intense dislike of President George W. Bush and the Iraq war, plus excitement among young and minority voters at the notion of electing the nation's first black president. Now, as Obama cranks up his re-election campaign, all those factors are absent. The president has many tools, of course, for inspiring and exciting potential voters. But he faces a different landscape, one in which key supporters are disappointed by concessions he has made to Republicans, and discouraged by huge Democratic losses last fall.

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (Reuters) - Four months before crucial congressional elections, Vice President Dick Cheney saw his first stock-car race on Saturday and hoped to fire up traditionally conservative " NASCAR dads" to turn out and vote. After Air Force Two buzzed the crowd, sweeping as low as 1,000 feet over the racetrack, Cheney's black SUV took a lap around the Daytona speedway at a sedate 65 mph (105 kph). Infield spectators perched atop behemoth recreational vehicles waved American flags and banners proclaiming devotion to their favorite drivers and the beer companies that sponsor them. "On Independence Day, we're reminded...

Senate candidate Bill Jones paid a brief "courtesy" visit to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in Santa Monica this week but don't expect to see the Republican governor do much for Jones' underdog bid to unseat Democrat Barbara Boxer. Schwarzenegger has agreed to appear at one Jones fund-raiser and maybe make one campaign appearance for him while President Bush is in California next month, aides say - about as much as Republicans John McCain, the Arizona senator, and Vice President Dick Cheney have agreed to do. It's not that Schwarzenegger doesn't like Jones. He gave him a big boost with an endorsement...