Today, a rag-tag group of protesters met in front of the Governor's Los Angeles Headquarters to throw a spotlight on DEA raids focused on the suppliers of medical marijuana and Schwarzenegger's failure to take a stand on the issues.
In a post yesterday, California residents were urged to attend and show their support.
A curious mix turned up for the rally...patients in wheelchairs protesting Schwarzenegger's failure to stand behind Bill 215, a vocal faction moved by the cause, a handful of reps on behalf of the cannabis providers, and activists from a myriad of splinter groups joining hands with the specific aim of calling attention to the critical problems that have arisen in recent weeks.
The event was well-planned.
Organizers from "Americans for Safe Access" provided placards for the vigilant to wave to passers-by, bottled water to quench the thirst of the enthusiastic crowd (protestin' is sweaty work, ya know?), and snazzy, eye-catching postcards ready to sign and slip into the mail to the Governor's office in Sacramento urging immediate action against the FEDS.
When I was offered a stub for a raffle, I thought - whoa, nellie - samples of you-know-what; turns out, the coveted prize was for a curious piece of paraphernalia known as a "volcano".
Yeah, I confess, not one to partake in the sweet, pungent-smelling stuff, I am somewhat naive about the rituals of such curious things. Apparently, a "volcano" is used to heighten the potency of the medicinal effect of marijuana. Pardon my innocence!
For an impromptu sidewalk rally, the event was well-equipped with a nifty podium, a quality microphone, and crackle-free loudspeakers. In sum, the impressive array of electronic equipment was at-the-ready for speakers to reach out. And, they did.
A couple of brief, to-the-point speeches, from representatives with "Americans for Safe Access", got the crowed revved up.
Next up, a politician from the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Chairman Chris Norby (who could not attend the rally in person) expressed his solidarity with the protesters via e-mail.
Ah, with a whole spectrum of multi-media gizmos at our fingertips today, it's so easy to reach out and "touch" someone, eh?
In his timely communication, Norby urged Schwarzenegger to implement Proposition 215, the ballot initiative California voters approved in 1996, that legalized the sale and use marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Indeed, that was the main thrust of the demonstration today.
In essence, protesters were calling for an end to the illegal and intrusive raids conducted by federal drug agents on Los Angeles marijuana dispensaries that sell the drug to anyone with a doctor's prescription.
"An attack on safe access is an attack on patients," said Don Duncan, a man whose Hollywood dispensary, California Patients Group, was shut down by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration on July 25, 2007.
And, at one climatic point, the protesters began to vigorously chant "set Stephanie free", "set Stephanie free", when a young woman, Stephanie Landa, who is serving three years for running a medical marijuana clinic, called in from a State Prison.
Los Angeles City Councilman, Dennis Zine (unable to appear in person), released a statement in support of the dispensaries.
"This year has seen a dramatic increase in federal law enforcement activity surrounding medical cannabis, including raids, confiscation of medicine and plants, and indictments," he stated.
His statements appeared to resonate more sharply when one angry man stood up at the mic, and emotionally recalled the day his front door was bashed in, DEA Agents trashed his home, and then proceeded to haul him away after reading him his rights.
His voice trembled at the memory of the horrifying, humiliating experience.
All the protesters were moved to rally behind him when he cried out passionately,
"Did this man who broke down my door, and arrested me, have a medical license?"
The answer from the crowd was a resounding, "no".
And, what of the children, he wondered aloud?
In this nasty scenario, would the offspring of busted medicinal marijuana users, be placed in foster homes? And, if so, at what cost?
Experts, in their respective areas of specialization, proceeded to briefly discuss the issues from their unique perspectives.
Bottom line, it was apparent to everyone at the rally...if a patient has a prescription for compassionate use of marijuana in California, shouldn't the FEDS look the other way?
Steph Sherer, Executive Director of "Americans for Safe Access", urged Schwarzenegger to coordinate with the 12 other governors whose states have legalized medical marijuana, and send recommendations to Washington.
One has to wonder, after all, who issued the order to step up the gutsy raids?
If it was the Bush Administration's directive, then clearly, Schwarzenegger has to approach the President, and his legal advisers, and come up with an equitable solution to the problem.
At this juncture, with the important business at hand squared away at the podium, the protesters were ready to vent their angst and shout from the rooftops, if necessary.
It was unclear whether the Governor was upstairs in his office, out-to-lunch, or conveniently elsewhere - so, everyone began a chant designed to echo up through the canyons of the city streets to the 14th floor - with the express intent of raising the Governor from his slumber.
No one, not even a representative from his office, dared show their face afterwards.
In my estimation, the Governor owed the protesters the courtesy of a "thank you for coming", or an "I'm glad you brought this to my attention" - a written statement, something!
Yeah, no cigar!
But, the ubiquitous crowd attracted a lot of hoopla down on Spring Street and the surrounding environs, nonetheless...drivers slowed, honked their horns, and gave the big "thumbs up".
And, quite a few members of the press turned up, genuinely interested.
If it has escaped the Governor's attention, he'd be wise to recognize this is a hot-button topic, which is not going away.
Someone shouted out, "Arnold, maybe you're a girlie man."
The crowd roared!
One cop with a bit of a stick up his butt, persisted with a little whining and pettiness from the sidelines (street traffic, curb duty, that sort-of-thing), but the crowd graciously followed his suggestions, then went on their merry way.
A small contingent of officers from the Sheriff's Department stepped out of the State Building to take a lookie-loo; but - were more curious, than concerned - and left the crowd alone.
Otherwise, the rally was peaceful and went off without a hitch.
All in all, the gathering was positive, and upbeat - an important event.
However, Schwarzenegger's failure to take a stand infers a lot.
In the final analysis, ignoring the issue has shown not only how wishy-washy he is, but underscores his tendency to flip-flop.
If you recall, in spite of the fact sufficient signatures were obtained to pave the way for "Gay Marriage" earlier this year, Schwarzenegger vetoed it on the grounds that California voters already voiced their objection in a ballot initiative.
In this instant case, California voters not only approved Bill 215 for the compassionate use of Medical Marijuana, but the Governor signed it as well.
Based on his previous statements and actions...he is morally and legally obligated to stand by the "will" of the people, now.
So, Arnold, when do you intend to honor the wishes of California voters?
