Song in my head: It's a beautiful day..............don't let it get away..............................U2

ALTER-ABLED NEWS

There has been so much going on in the medical marijuana arena the last few weeks. Of course I had the energy of a very, very, very old person so I sat back, loaded a bowl and prayed for my safety from the DEA. The last thing I need is something else major to worry about. Is it not enough that I went bankrupt because of high medical bills? Is it not enough that I can't afford all the medications for my migraines, depression, osteoperosis, allergies, cold sore, and swimmer's ear? Please take me to prison...at least they are guaranteed to receive health care. They are the only population in our country with that right of health care. All I know is, I paid my taxes and now I'm sitting here paying $70 a month for a supplemental Medicare policy, because Medicare sucks. And I still don't have dental or birth control coverage. I choose a less toxic way to medicate for glaucoma and pain and I am a criminal. The most devastating to me was the SCOTUS decision to ignore state's rights with medical marijauna programs.

Today another amendment was defeated and because of ear, gum, knee and back pain I'll let Libby from Last One Speaks provide the consistently excellent coverage....

This just in from the Media Awareness Project. The Hinchey-Rohrabacher Amendment received 161 votes for, 264 against. When voted on last, the amendment had 148 votes. The vote today is a gain of 13 votes. Voting for: 15 Republicans, 145 Democrats and 1 Independent. This is a better gain than was expected. MPP was predicting only a 10 vote increase so clearly, we are making progress and the issue will come up again. We only need to swing another 50 or so votes to win next time. I join MAP in thanking you all for contacting your congresscritters to urge their vote to stop the federal government from arresting medical cannabis patients in those states where the use of medical cannabis is authorized by law. Keep their contact info handy as you'll need it again. This fight is far from over.Update: Drug Policy Alliance has an action center up where you can find out how your Congresscreature voted and either thank or spank them. Marijuana Policy Project also sends out a release that says in part,

"While we're disappointed that the amendment did not pass, a record 161 House members voted today to stop arresting medical marijuana patients," said Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington, D.C. "There have been only four House floor votes on medical marijuana in the history of the country, and this one was our best ever...."The next step is to pass the medical marijuana bills pending in New York and Rhode Island, enact medical marijuana laws in several other states early next year, and then win on Capitol Hill next summer when the House votes on medical marijuana again," said Kampia. "The momentum is clearly on our side, and we'll keep fighting until Congress listens to the American people and ends this cruel and needless war on the sick."

We did good folks, but in the immortal words of my favorite sage, Yogi Berra, "It ain't over till it's over."

Thank you Peter Defazio (OR-04), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Darlene Hooley (OR-05), David Wu (OR-01).

Big spanking to Greg Walden, my state representative for the no vote.

Thank or spank your state representative, here.