The Botany of Desire: Michael Pollan

Michael Pollan, The Botany of Desire:

What... was the knowledge that God wanted to keep from Adam and Eve in the Garden? Theologians will debate this question without end, but it seems to me the most important answer is hidden in plain sight. The content of the knowledge Adam and Eve could gain by tasting of the fruit does not matter nearly as much as its form... from nature. The new faith sought to break the human bond with magic nature, to disenchant the world of plants and animals by directing our attention to a single God in the sky. Yet Jehovah couldn't very well pretend the tree of knowledge didn't exist, not when generations of plant-worshipping pagans knew better. So the pagan tree is allowed to grow even in Eden, though ringed around now with a strong taboo. Yes, there is spiritual knowledge in nature, the new God is acknowledging, and its temptations are fierce, but I am fiercer still. Yield to it, and you will be punished.

So unfolds the drug war's first battle.
"

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Parallel Universes in Legal Cannabis Debate

Sacramento Bee: Weed Wars

A state Capitol hearing today on how Proposition 19 may affect the future universe of California produced such disparate views that Assemblyman Tom Ammiano pondered the potential outcomes as perhaps only he can.

"A drug czar today could be on Dancing With the Stars tomorrow," he said.

"It will not impede the drug cartels that are coming across our border and actually growing on our state and federal lands," (Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully. Speaking on behalf of the California District Attorneys Association) told the joint legislative public safety committee hearing chaired by Ammiano and state Sen. Mark Leno, two San Francisco lawmakers and Prop 19 supporters.

But Prop 19 campaign spokeswoman Dale Sky Jones argued that California's initiative will bring about changes mirroring the end of alcohol prohibition if passed.

"This is the first step to take control away from the criminals," she said, adding: "We don't have illegal grape-growing cartels in our national forests. And they don't take out guns. They take out advertising."


Rand Corp. researcher Beau Kilmer claimed cannabis use would increase..."back to where we were in the 70s."

The 70's? OH NO!





If I have to listen to ABBA and the BeeGees in order for justice to be done...I'm ready to make that sacrifice.

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