Props to Prop 19

Midterm Elections are a week away and there's some very strange, even frightening candidates spending hundreds of millions of dollars to buy themselves a seat at the table. There's a lot of misinformation and fear mongering floating around regarding candidates and propositions. I guess that's the nature of politics.

So,in this commentary I would like to share some positive progressive thoughts with you. I'm talking about Proposition 19. The Marijuana legalization initiative. Know what I like about proposition 19?. I like that it makes it legal for people over 21 to cultivate, possess and transport marijuana. That's gonna be a huge relief to a major part of the population. Imagine it. It's a deep breath for a lot of people I know.

I like section 11303 regarding seizure, "no state or local law enforcement agency or official shall attempt to, threaten to, or in fact seize or destroy any cannabis plant, cannabis seeds or cannabis that is lawfully cultivated, processed, transported, possessed, possessed for sale, sold or used in compliance with this Act or any local government ordinance, law or regulation adopted pursuant to this Act". I like the end of destructive behavior on the part of law enforcement when it comes to legal and medical grows. Yeah, I like that. I like it better than measure G, which I liked very much, but was repealed by measure B. I like that Prop19 is state law and it treats adults like adults. And, the measure provides that the state could also authorize the production of hemp. How exciting is that??

Passing Prop 19 does not change 215 or 420. All medical laws stay in tact.

Some say they worry about the penalties and illegality of of sharing, selling, and smoking with regard to minors,but that's always been prohibited.

I've also heard rumors saying that there will be a fifty dollar an ounce tax and that is not true. In fact the measure says that "Many of the provisions in this measure permit, but do not require the state and local governments to take certain actions related to regulation and taxation". A tax can only be imposed by a vote from the people. I do agree that there should be tax especially when it comes to Recreational use.

Medicine is not taxed in this country and I think that should apply to this medicine as well. As far as I understand it any Marijuana dispensaries will be taxed exactly like other businesses that operate in the state. It becomes an even playing field and marijuana begins to appear as Normal. As far as Marijuana as medicine that's already established, yes it's almost normal at this point. Although we still have Federal Agents wreaking havoc from time to time, this election may effect change there as well.

So here we have this plant that millions have consumed with many beneficial side effects especially when dealing with life threatening illnesses from Cancer to AIDS and it has helped them heal and repair and endure the treatments they are subject to. Then there are the recreational users who smoke pot because it makes them feel good. Let's not underestimate that benefit. When a society feels good, feels pleasure it is more likely to be peaceful, productive, cooperative. Happiness is a good thing. (Check out the NHP, national happiness index) If someone chooses a painkiller that serves them and helps them cope with life I say blessed be. Life can be very painful, challenging, scary and we can have a culture of tolerance for personal use of medicine.

I like the idea of regulation, environmental protection, organic standards, cottage industry protection and these are all things we can influence with our local board of supervisors who are there to represent out interests, well being and protection. We can work this out. Humboldt county's board of Supes have already endorsed 19 and are beginning consideration on how to implement regulations.

Don't take my word for these things. Facts are fuzzy these days and there's really no regulation when it comes to telling the truth about something. You really have to find out for yourself which I'm encouraging you to do. What matters is that we do our best to put politicians and propositions into place that look out for the good of all,not just the profit margin, but the more empathetic route of Making the world a better place or doing no harm. In my opinion Prop 19 does no harm. In fact in reduces harm for a lot of people and I'm a big fan of harm reduction.

Hey Progress isn't easy, it's risky, it's tricky . According to the headlines of the Newspaper West Coast Leaf, published by Chris Conrad and Micki Norris. "All eyes on on California" waiting to see how courageous we are to lead the country in legalization of marijuana and hemp. For me waking up the day after election and finding Marijuana and hemp legalized in this state will be a moment that will shine bright in our history.

Hey, There's a lot that can go wrong this election. We are looking at Corporate Coups, far right extremists who hate gay people, are outright racists, deny global warming, call for second amendment remedies to our current administration' s agenda and sanction the idea that even if a women is raped or a victim of incest she cannot have an abortion. I don't know about the rest of the country, but I know here in California if any of those candidates take office and begin to make policies we'll be really happy we legalized marijuana cause we're gonna need to smoke a lot of pot.

Positive Vibrations yeah Positive

These are todays headlines:

Ecuador makes A Revolutionary Promise to Leave Oil Underground,

Happiness is a Right

Indian Tribe in Victory Over Mining Giant.

Town Goes to depths to Save Beaver family.

Think I'm making these up, nope, these are just some the headlines of the Positive News a seasonal newspaper published out of Ithaca New York. How does it make you feel to hear those headlines? Good? excited? Happy? Glad you heard them?

Do you ever notice that sometimes you turn on the radio and there's a song playing or a public affairs show starting that mean a whole lot to you? It's the law of attraction at work. It's a power that when recognized and activated can bring such pleasure and peace to one's life. It's alignment with the infinite resources that are always available to us if we ask nicely.

I've been callin' all angels lately, asking for help, guidance, support to steady my trembling heart. My prayers are being answered in so many ways. As a a political analyst, commentator and social reflector I practically merge with every piece of information good and bad that crosses my desk, screen, and path as I strive to translate current events into something palatable, logical, entertaining, even humorous so us folks can find some happiness and relief along the way. As a conduit for information I can get triggered by tragic events and even become mired in the muck. (I know that's where the lotus grows) I admit I have slipped into oblivion the last few months. With the confounded political climate, With the death of my mother and my dog, )enormous blows to my emotional balance) I've been treading water even drowning and going under pretty often. Feeling like I'm losing hold of my purpose, but, my will is strong and determined and my weekly commitment to this radio broadcast(blog) is one of my lifelines. It's the power of being able to reach out to you and connect when I lose my way. Many of you have reached out to me in kind. Thank you.

While my intention is to transform I have needed help to replenish the positive vibration in order to survive. This weekend was a culmination of those intentions. Not only was I handed the Positive Newspaper, I had the great pleasure to perform my one woman show Oh My Goddess at the Glaser Center in Santa Rosa as a benefit for the Ceres Community Project. The auspicious opportunity reflected back to me in so many creative ways that I find myself in a new consciousness today, one that many of you engaged in the laws of attraction when it comes to spiritual work, social justice and sustainability have already and daily thrive in. It's joyful. The Glaser Center( No physical relation, but a terrific spiritual one) is a Universal Unitarian non denominational Congregation that supports individuals search for truth and meaning in life. It's tenets are tolerance, social justice, unity and love. It's messages and literature fills the halls and walls. The stage itself, is inside the sanctuary where people gather every Sunday and walk through the doors, under a sign that says, "Enter in Peace". It's a suggested donation. The audience was hungry for my comedy and devoured it. In turn they filled my belly with laughter and wild applause.

We partnered with the Ceres community Project for this production. If you are not familiar with Ceres. It is a non-profit organization serving Sonoma county, started 3 and half years ago and it's mission is to restore heart centered vibrant communities, caring for one another and providing access to beautiful delicious healthy food. One manifestation of that is a community kitchen that provides a space for people to gather to cook and deliver organic, nutritional meals for people dealing with life threatening illnesses and this place has become a magnet for teenagers ,yes, teenagers who volunteer every week to cook for those who cannot cook for themselves. It's contagious energy as Ceres attracts more and more Youthful volunteers. They say the feeling of making a positive difference in someone's life is key to the feeling of hope that many of us search for. Ceres is an authentic model of a better world. It's that simple. It's good work and that breeds more of the same. So, As the days become shorter and the we enter the dark time of year I will obey the laws of attraction, be here reminding you of the light. And I know you'll do the same for me.

National Coming Out Day

Hey, it's National coming out day. So once again it is my pleasure to announce I'm a lesbian. I didn't decide I was gay. I've just found myself falling in love with my favorite people. I didn't have a gender test for whom that might be. For me it's my lady, my woman, my wife. Some say it's a choice, some say it's a lifestyle, some say it's a persuasion, but however you've discovered your sexuality. Welcome. Welcome to all the new Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people who summoned their courage and self esteem and walked out of the closet today. You're here your queer. Say it Loud I'm Gay and I'm proud. Come out come out where every you are. That's what I say, but then I hesitate to rush anybody out. In order for you to come out, you must feel like you are safe, or willing to defend yourself emotionally, and physically. Do you have a safe space. Is your workplace tolerant? Are your co-workers? What about your neighbors? Your teachers, your classmates?

I asked my daughter this morning if there were any gay kids at her high school, she said, no, maybe a couple of bisexuals, but no. and I said if there were, would they be respected, included, protected. No, she said, they'd get hassled for sure. Maybe that's why she thinks there are no gays at school because it's not safe to say so. Hassled, bullied, teased, taunted.

What comes after that? You know, You've read the tragic headlines lately I hear a lot about the Gay agenda, but I'm more concerned with the anti gay agenda? I don't want to say it's the straight agenda and offend all the heterosexual allies among us. So I'll say it's the Homophobic agenda. It's the fear of homosexuality that runs this show. Fear of two men, or two women who love each other who want to marry and raise a family. Is that so Scary? Does that threaten your straight marriage because you are busy fantasizing about ours? (ok cupid) Or you have those feelings inside you, but are told they are perverted, sick and evil and in turn you are evil so you go out and hurt somebody.

So dear sisters and brothers, I won't insist you to come out this day, but I want to encourage you to be gay if you are. Find allies, friends, family, therapists that will support you and help you indulge yourself in the loveliness of being attracted to someone like you. That beautiful boy, that outspoken girl. Someone to Let you know Your love, your desire is healthy. You are lucky. You are honest with yourself. It is an act of self love to accept who you are and there are so many in the world who will greet you with respect, appreciation honor and mutual attraction. Your homosexual feelings are natural. Bears do it, Gay Dragonflies, Gay penguins, gay dolphins, easily one of the most intelligent creatures on earth. Homosexuality is fun. That's why they call it being Gay. Hold on to your heart and identity. Your time is coming.

There is a rising consciousness about tolerance,empathy, and compassion and schools are beginning to teach that life lesson starting in kindergarten. Some see this as the Gay Agenda. Okay. I'm good with that. We are all unique and we need to let the children know how precious they are and that their love in whatever form it comes is worthwhile and good.

I'll tell you Love isn't easy no matter who you choose. There are so many stories of heartbreak and deception it's hard enough to be in a relationship with another human being without people getting up in your business about your choice. We all just want to love and be loved. That seems to be the Gay Agenda: Let people love who they love. Have sex with who they want to have sex with(as long as they are consenting adults), dress how they want to dress. Speak how they Speak. Dance how they dance.

There's is a terrific movie called In and Out, starring Kevin Kline, Released in 1997. It tells the story of a High School Teacher Howard Brackett played by Kline, who is outed by a former student (Matt Dillon) before even he realizes he's Gay. His pending marriage to Emily Montgomery, played with comedic genus by Joan Cusack) is the springboard for Howard to come to terms with his truth.Tom Selleck of Magnum PI, plays the Gay TV reporter sent to cover the story and embolden his subject. It's a great family movie, one that you might want to rent or download this week to share this story of love and acceptance.

As a community we need to do more to let our gay friends and family know they are safe to come out. In fact tonight there is a rally in support for the Queer community tonight at 7PM at Alex Thomas Plaza in Ukiah to stand for equal rights and protection for the very vulnerable, and deserving among us, if you're in the neighborhood, stop by and show them you care. I do and if you need support get in touch with me through my website at www.sherryglaser.net

A Declaration of Dependence

The US war on Drugs has cost our country a trillion dollars and hundreds of thousands of lives, north and south of the border. California Governor Schwarzneggers' decision last Thursday to decriminalize possession of up to an ounce of pot is a deliberate step toward a truce in that war. It lightens the burden on the criminal justice system that gets constipated with these petty battles, drains the economy and wastes law enforcement time that cold be spent dealing with serious crime. Interesting timing. Isn't it? Proposition 19, the regulation and taxation of Cannabis for adults, is on the electoral horizon and Schwarznegger opposes it. This brings up an interesting dilemma.

If one can legally possess cannabis in California, don't we have to legalize and regulate the growing of it? Where are people supposed to get their marijuana? From Mexico? Ah, there's the rub.

The turf war we are witnessing now on the border with Mexico has very much to do with the illegal trafficking of Marijuana. It's time to realize that continued prohibition is a national security threat and it is foolish to think we are not complicit in the violence there. Pot comes this way, weapons go that way. (Check out the grassroots action of Justsaynow.com founder Daniel Pacheco interrupting a speech of US Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske and delivering a petition of 52,000 signatures in favor of legalizing Marijuana). We really have to get smarter about our relationship with Mexico whether it concerns Marijuana or the hot button issue of immigration, especially when it comes to electing someone new to the office of Governor in California.

Billionaire Meg Whitman is adamant about secure borders, deportation and outright rejects the Dream Act which would provide a path for legalization and higher education for the children of undocumented workers who have lived in America for most of their lives. She forbids them to realize their dreams while she is free to live hers by any means necessary. Her pre-Ebay roots, as far as I could trace them, go back to the wealthy enclaves of Boston, maybe she's related to the original tea party gang. The original immigrants.

We discovered last week that Ms. Whitman employed an undocumented worker named Nicky Diaz Santallan for nine years. While Meg ruled her empire, Nicky cleaned up after her and her children. Whitman claimed ignorance about her employees legal status. These politics are increasingly familiar. When someone is outspoken and or obsessed about illegal immigrants they've usually have one in their own backyard. Same deal if some congressman or evangelical is outraged about the Gay agenda, they are soon caught with their pants down in the men's room, Why not confess, tell it like it is and refresh our legislature with laws that reflect our real world? Come out of the closet and get real about our relationships, especially with Mexico.

Less than two hundred years ago, California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico all belonged to Mexico. President John Tyler wanted to annex Texas and Mexico said "no". So, the next President, James Polk, offered to buy New Mexico for five million and California for 40 million dollars. Mexico said, "No gracias". They had just freed themselves from Spanish colonialization and then these gringos wanted their land. So they fought for it and lost. By signing the treaty of Guadlupe de Hidalgo Mexico surrendered the lands and those who remained in the relinquished territories were guaranteed safety and protection of existing property rights. But alas, as was the fate of treaties with indigenous people in North America, this was not honored. And now we have this hysterical border mania.

You know the difference between European immigration to North America and Central American immigration to the US is that the Europeans used relentless force and violence to overthrow and murder the native population while the immigrants from the south risk their lives to come here, work for us, make our lives easier, and have become the backbone of our economy. The truth is; borders are made up. They are lines in the sand, and laws are simply words on a page. Either can be erased and replaced with something that serves us all, the higher good.

Let's make peace with drugs. Let's make peace with Mexico. Let's Open and regulate borders, engage in rational realistic drug policies. Let's let a little sunlight in. Think of the productivity and rich cultural diversity if we join forces with Mexico and evolve into Americo! Then we can all smoke a big fatty and celebrate our mutual dependence on each other. Yeah, a new paradigm that would end the war on drugs. But this time, instead of a a treaty, we'll sign a declaration of dependence.

The Court Jester Testifies

The idealistic and good people of Mendocino County were out in droves this past weekend. Friday was the benefit for KMEC in Ukiah and the fundraiser for the candidate for 5th district Supervisor, Dan Hamburg in Mendocino. Saturday and Sunday we had Caspar Fest and the 8th Annual coast cleanup where over 600 people, picked up over 8,000 pounds, that's four tons of trash spread out over the distance of 44 miles of beach, river and creek. Thanks to all the Volunteers far and wide. I don't know what we would do without you. Not only were these events environmentally sensitive, educational, inspirational and economical, raising money for very worthy causes, they were fun and thoroughly entertaining.

The struggles and stresses that mount up every day are only subdued by the imagination, joy and laughter that we can find here at home and over the TV, cyber and radio waves. While I deeply value The War and Peace report delivered daily by Amy Goodman, I love MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, whose astonishment and genuine bewilderment at the abominal behavior of politicians in our nation is truly refreshing.

I'm also a big fan of Comedy Centrals' news department, the Daily show with John Stewart and The Colbert Report. This past Friday, Mr. Colbert crossed the ever more permeable wall between fiction and reality with stealth force testifying in Character, before congress, on the rights of immigrants and reflecting on his stint as migrant worker for a day. So funny. It was priceless because he presented himself as seriously, yet more intelligently than any of the members of the august body that he was in front, even offering to submit his colonoscopy results as evidence he needs more fiber in his diet. Talk about a tough audience, the subcommittee didn't crack a smile. This man has huevos rancheros.

His earnest demeanor and hilarious yet relevant material was reminiscent of the 2006 White House Correspondence dinner where he skewered and fillet George Bush, the Republicans, and the media. This time Stephen was invited to testify about his day in the fields, picking beans and boxing corn, by the Chair of House subcommittee on immigration, Zoe Lofgren. Colbert, who is the modern incarnation of the Court Jester, unflinchingly mocked, satirized masterfully demonstrated the need for immigration reform at the same time highlighted, the rampant hypocrisy and inefficiency that infects our governing body.

Nightly, Colbert and Jon Stewart show us the politicians and pundits running this country are imbeciles, homophobes, perverts, adulterers, and criminals concerned only with reelection and their own political power positions.

Mr. Colbert and his colleague/faux nemesis John Stewart (who is actually the executive producer of the Colbert report) have called for a rally on the National Mall October 30th. They anticipate 100,000 based on the duo's uncanny ability to capture the attention of the 18 to 30 year old demographics considered at best allusive by the mass media, a block which if harnessed could bring about real change.

While the theme of Mr. Colbert's Rally is Keep fear alive, Mr. Stewart is inviting us to a rally to restore sanity. Yes, Sanity. John will even provide premade protest signs, for those of us too busy to make our own with rational sentiments like, "I disagree with you, but I'm pretty sure you're not Hitler" Now I don't know about you but a restoration of sanity seems like a good idea because the best summation of what is going on in this country feels like insanity to me. Like this weekends headline, that, Atlanta's megachurch Pastor, Eddie long has been accused of soliciting sexual favors from his handsome flock but, gay people still can't married, hell I'd say that is just one of the current events in the news that would certify insanity.

I know I myself have felt on the verge or crazy. Since Obama took office with all his promises of change, my soul is restless, clinging to the hope that any day now, he's really going to stop sending our kids off to war. You may say I'm a dreamer, yes but I'm feeling a bit dazed confused so attending this rally is my attempt at a mental health plan. Now, people might think we are crazy in an effort to restore sanity, but we've tried everything else and with the midterm elections on the horizon we all need some comic relief, Like Emma Goldman says, "Idealists are foolish enough to throw caution to the winds. They have advanced mankind and have enriched the world." It seems like the perfect reason to reactivate breasts not bombs and makes some sense for a change.