Is the Enemy of My Enemy Still My Friend?

“Unity to be real, must survive the severest strain without breaking.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

(SACRAMENTO, CA) - Here in California we have more than a few marijuana legalization organizations and groups scrambling for the top of the hill.

Some are involved in statewide initiatives, while others are more localized and are concentrating on city and county regulations.

Some lead organizations are calling for full legalization while others approve of medical use only.

Many of these organizations start grassroots with a thirst to satisfy the Prop. 215 patients in their immediate areas. Some have lofty goals and plan to change the infrastructure that exists for the entire state to embrace their model for progress.

Unfortunately many of these groups are stricken with infighting, and a less than professional demeanor in respect to rumors.

Personally, I have advocated for several local northern California groups, and even national marijuana organizations and found these unsavory elements in each one. Which leaves another serious question what is the point? If at the end of the day the most accomplished task is a rumor mill and ill gotten chest thumping, what have we really done for our community as a whole?

Under the guise of serving the Prop. 215 patients, the reality is many truly serve themselves or special interests they are involved with.

Recently Chris Conrad asked me if I thought a Statewide initiative was closer to a reality now that Colorado and Washington had legalized recreational use?

We can never truly make a difference without solidity and unity as a top priority.

“Unity to be real, must survive the severest strain without breaking.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

Will we fall into despair along with the untruths, or will we brush away the lies and deceit to see the real face of change?

Eric Salerno is a Salem-News.com writer from Butte County, California. His background is with State and Federal Agencies assisting in recovery efforts in disaster stricken states.

In 2008 he began advocating for medical marijuana in his home state. This journey began after the supervisors in his district of Butte County enacted a moratorium on legal Prop. 215 patients rights to access and grow their own medicine. He was one of only 10 people to show up at the meeting and voice his concerns with their actions.

That year a coalition of mores than 300 residents was formed and a Vote NO on measure A campaign began. These residents of Butte County united to stop the interference of the county.

This campaign was successful with a large voter drive initiative and media campaign securing 55% of the voters saying NO on measure A.

Today Eric works endlessly from Southern California to Northern California advising and implementing political tactics, to ensure every Californian has the right to access legal safe medicine under the law.

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Hugh Yonn December 23, 2012 8:18 am (Pacific time)

All card-carrying members of the DEA need to read: Shoulda Robbed a Bank Here is one of its reviews: 5.0 out of 5 stars... If David Sedaris had written 'Catcher in the Rye'..this would be it, June 30, 2012 Amazon Verified Purchase This review is from: Shoulda Robbed a Bank (Kindle Edition) I have never smoked pot in my life...nor do I ever care to. I read about this book in numerous Huffington Post comments. Thought I would read it because I know nothing about marijuana or the people involved with it. I am ecstatic that I did. Funny, Funny, Funny!!! The chapters are like short stories. Stories about unloading boats with helicopters, close encounters with law enforcement, traveling through the jungles of South America. The chapter about the author's first time smoking marijuana made me feel like I was with him...coughing. All of the characters were just a group of loveable, nice guys and girls. Not what I had been raised to believe...hysterical maniacs high on pot bent on death and mayhem. They were nothing like that. If you have ever read any of David Sedaris' books, and like them...you will love Shoulda Robbed a Bank. And the crazy things happening reminded me of Holden Caufield in 'Catcher in the Rye' and the way he staggered through life. The way the words are put together are like nothing I have ever heard. I am sure I will use many of the sayings found in this book just to dazzle my friends. A terrific read. I love this book.

Hugh Yonn December 23, 2012 8:17 am (Pacific time)

Several years ago, I had surgery on my right shoulder. Pain medication was prescribed..."take one capsule every 4 hours." I took one capsule. I was down for over 20 hours. When I came to, I felt like I had been hit by a truck. The next time I felt discomfort, I smoked a small amount of marijuana ...pain gone, no after effects. I threw the pills out. Then I wrote: Shoulda Robbed a Bank My contribution to helping point out just how ludicrous our pot laws truly are. I would be honored by your review .

Agron Belica December 22, 2012 2:56 pm (Pacific time)

Deep! :)

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