Resource Managment Project

For my topic I choose to look at the mismanaged resource of marijuana.



Letter to Elected Official

Dear the honorable Assemblyman Marty Block,
As an informed constituent, I would like to say the time has come for the state and eventually the federal government to legalize the use, production and sale of marijuana. Our economy, especially giving the current economic condition, can benefit significantly from revenue gained by taxing Marijuana. The market created would be subject to government regulation just as tobacco and liquor companies are which would counter the disorder and abuse currently associated with marijuana. Legalization of Marijuana would result in the decrease of Illegal activity, as the trade and possession of cannabis would no longer be illegal.
The health effects of marijuana are no greater than alcohol or tobacco use. Impaired judgment and thought processes, slurred speech, and inability to concentrate are all characteristic of alcohol use as well, and smoking cigarettes is as likely to cause cancer and lung diseases as smoking weed (if not more so).Yet, these substances are still legal. So why not marijuana? The use and supply of medicinal marijuana is already permitted in many regions in the U.S. Marijuana has been proven to contain natural medicinal value like none other. Marijuana increases appetite for patients suffering from AIDS, cancer, and anorexia. The substance has also shown signs of pain relieving possibilities. Numerous scientists believe we have not scratched the surface of what marijuana can medicinally do. Once marijuana becomes legal, scientist can conduct research resulting in a holistic view of the plant and its capabilities.
Although, it is possible to argue with the medicinal legitimacy of marijuana, it is almost impossible to argue the amount of revenues taxes on marijuana would bring the state let alone the country. With proper regulation, a 10% marijuana tax would yield 1.4 Billion dollars in California alone. Full legalization is a feasible concept in California. In this state alone, prospective tax revenue could exceed $1 billion. Personally, I feel what is hindering the government from legalizing such an amazing crop is public appeal. I would hope that the fear of being falsely accused of smoking pot would not be a reason for the marijuana legalization to remain a stagnant issue. There has been other practices of prohibition repeal such as the Great Depression, Franklin Roosevelt lead the repeal of the alcohol prohibition, primarily for a new market to tax. The same should be done with marijuana. We can all benefit from acceptance of marijuana as a legal market. The bottom line is we are a capitalistic country, and we are not taking advantage of a potentially massive cash crop. That is something I just do not understand. After reading this letter, I ask for your support. I ask that you introduce a bill to legalize marijuana.

Sincerely your constituent,
Aleesha Rackley

Opt Ed Piece

It is not needed to say that we are in a recession. Families struggling just to provide extras, as well as necessities. There is a complicated answer that could result in an amazing outcome: legalization of marijuana. Gasp! Yes, I said it, and it is something that could become reality sooner than we think.
The idea of decriminalizing marijuana is far from new. In 1970, Congress created the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse. This group’s sole purpose was to research and study marijuana. After two years of thorough research, the commission issued its report, "Marijuana: A Signal of Misunderstanding." In 1972, it surprised many by recommending decriminalization: Possession of marijuana in private for personal use would no longer be an offense; and distribution of small amounts of marijuana for no remuneration or insignificant remuneration not involving profit would no longer be an offense. This would drastically reduce the government spending on corrections.
Legalizing marijuana could take years to complete. There are underlying moral reasons as to why it will take so long to pass, but one thing we can do is support smaller bills that will pave the way to legalization. Senate Bill 5615 is the first step to legalization. This bill would reclassify adult possession of marijuana from a crime carrying a mandatory day in jail to a civil infraction imposing a $100 penalty payable by mail. The bill was voted out of committee with a bipartisan "do pass" recommendation and will be considered by legislators in early 2010.The bill makes a lot of sense, especially in this time of severely strapped budgets. Our state Office of Financial Management reported annual savings of $16 million and $1 million in new revenue if SB 5615 passes.
Twelve states took action and decriminalized marijuana in the 1970s. Nevada decriminalized in 2001, and Massachusetts did so in 2008. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, states where marijuana possession is decriminalized represent more than 35 percent of our nation's population. These states have not seen a corresponding increase in use. Nor have the 14 states that have adopted legal protections for patients whose doctors recommend the medical use of marijuana. Nor the several cities and counties that have adopted "lowest law enforcement priority" ordinances like Seattle's Initiative 75, which made adult marijuana, use the city's lowest law enforcement priority in 2003.
On the flip side of the coin, escalating law enforcement against marijuana users has not achieved its intended goals. From 1991 to 2007, marijuana arrests nationwide tripled from 287,900 to a record 872,720, comprising 47 percent of all drug arrests combined. Of those, 89 percent were for possession only. Nevertheless, according to a study released earlier this year by two University of Washington faculty members: the price of marijuana has dropped, its average potency has increased, It has become more readily available; and use rates have often increased during times of escalating enforcement.
We now have decades of proof that treating marijuana use as a crime is a failed strategy. It continues to damage the credibility of our public health officials and compromise our public safety. At a fundamental level, it has eroded our respect for the law and what it means to be charged with a criminal offense: 40 percent of Americans have tried marijuana at some point in their lives. It cannot be that 40 percent of Americans truly are criminals. Lastly, we are a capitalistic society and marijuana is a money making commodity, we should take advantage of the cash crop that we have. Regardless of your views about the drug, there is money to be made. We are America and that's what we do. We make money.
- Aleesha Rackley
My Petition

Food Blog

In class we were asked to answer some questions after a reading in class.

Food Blog
Why do people choose to eat products that are unhealthy for them? I think it is so easy to choose something that is unhealthy for them when it is easily accessible. When I visit the grocery store the store always place the organic food next to the non organic foods and the non organic foods are always cheaper. For a person who is not financially able, buying organic isn’t feasible. Also ignorance accounts for a lot of the reason why people don’t eat healthier. Unhealthy foods are also just more appealing, labels like low-fat, fat free, make the “FAKE” food seem more healthy then it is actually is.
What roles/responsibilities does the government have in farming your choices? I don’t think it’s the government responsibility to manage farming per say, but if it get to the point where our health is suffering then our peoples health is at risk then the government should step in. education is the biggest thing. If our populous was educated about their options then they would make better decisions.

Barder

Assuming the dog in your story is named Barder, and that the orange turban gives him the power of flight…
Your assignment is to respond to the above visual prompt. Write something you’ll be proud to share and display.
Find more of Jan Von Holleben's photography at http://www.janvonholleben.com/?page_id=4

“Have you ever loved someone so much you just wish they would have a harsh reality check? I mean I have, sometimes I feel bad that I want something bad to happen to Barder but I mean hes horrible. So if you haven’t figured it out yet Barder is my dog. I bought ‘em for only 10 dollars ( now I know why he was only 10 dollars). Anyway, hes a pain in my ass, the guy who sold him too me said he was a magical dog, and that only a worthy owner could tame him. Hes been with me for 10 years and I ain't tamed him yet, maybe I'm not worthy. So back to the subject Barder needs a reality check. He was born with the ability to talk, uugh DOGS SHOULDN'T TALK because they never shut up. He also came with this orange turban… his nickname is Taliban. But this turban trips me out, when he wears it he can fly. Yes I said it fly! I know what your thinking a talking,flying dog??? I QUIT LAST YEAR drugs are bad yes I know. Moving on, Barder feels as if the world owes him something because he’s different. He’s lazy, he wont even fly to the corner store. More importantly his attitude towards saving people is so shitty, I mean come on you’re a TALKING, FLYING, dog. I don’t know what his issue is but last week I got fed up. Now here comes the serious part. I need help I need help on trying to teach him the value of helping others. Does anyone on this entire Internet no how to help me.”

Doug ended his blogpost and went to go check up on barder. Everything he had said was true, he tried to be funny with his post to hide how frustrated he was. He didn’t want to let anyone know that he really couldn’t handle a 15 year old talking, sometimes flying pooch, but he couldn't. “BAARRRDDEER,” he called. No answer. He repeated his yell this time proceeded a threat. No answer. Doug decided to get barder he knew that he had to be around here somewhere. A little pissed because Barder hadn’t answered he headed out the door. As he stepped off the porch a glimpse of a lifeless dog caught his eye. It was Barder. He ran over an knelt by his side, from what he observed he wasn’t breathing. Doug then noticed a few feet away from him a was a little girl with the turban on, she too wasn’t breathing. He pulled out his phone and dialed 911. He nev er found out what happened and he didn’t care. All Doug knew was the someone he cared for was dead and the last words to leave his mouth about him weren't pleasant.

Writing In Reverse

The following short story was written as a creative writing exercise. By observing photographs of people on the subway we were able to create stories surrounding their subway ride.

Jimmy Dean, he was the baddest on the block, b**** fainted at the sight of him. Dusty was never and option he always-looked fresh from his head to his toes, Gucci. His swagger was out of this world. He knew, his momma knew, his siblings knew, he was the s***.

He called his business, simply business but to everybody else he was in the hoeing business. He had the best women in daygo. Short, fat, tall, skin, you name it he’s selling it. His hoes were always faithful; they knew the motto your next slip up could be your last slip up. “Never let a b**** f*** with yo’ paper” He used to always tell me that. Since I was younger he always wanted me to follow in his footsteps from elementary I learned nice guys finish last, so I always made it my duty to pay attention to what he had to say.

It was late night and Papa Dean (that’s what his hoes called him), was awakened by the car alarm. He knew it was his because there were only two cars on his block, his and the twins. He could hear giggling and the sound of a roaring engine, then, silence. F*** Imma F*** Shay up, playing with my money. Damn I hate that hoe. Childish. Before getting up he had knew, it was the usual busted windows or keyed side panel. He didn’t bother to move. He just rolled over kiss Toya on the cheek gently moving the hair from her face. Taya had seen the ordeal. “You like her better papa” Taya had proposed. The truth was he didn’t like either of them but P**** P****. “Did I give you permission to talk turn the fuck over and go to sleep” He contemplated calling Shay to cuss her out but decided it could wait until the morning. He and Shay both knew he wasn’t going to do anything about it but he had a reputation to maintain so had better follow up.

Shay was the baddest B*** in daygo, she was 5’7 thickem’s is what the boys called her. No matter what she wore, it would caress he curves it made girls double look. Her skin was a deep mahogany color; she possessed D cup titties sat perfectly on top of her 24-inch waist. She was beautiful well that’s how my friends would describe her but that is my mom so we won’t go there. She was smart, sexy, business like, and classy but above all she was Dean’s main b*** which made her The B***.

“ This is Shay if you aint talking about money you must have the wrong number,” that’s how she answered all blocked calls.

“Don’t think I didn’t know that was you last night. That’s coming out of your pocket not mines”. It was Papa

“Nigga please you think I got time to be f***ing with you hah I’m a bad b*** we just get money” A guilty smile rose across her face she tried not to let it affect the inflection in her voice.

“My windows gonna get fixed and I’m not paying for it.”

“Ha-ha bye papa” the line went dead.

Shit he thought. Here he was the best in daygo and he couldn’t even stand up to her. He despised Shay because he loved her. Jimmy aka Papa Dean was in love with his hoe. That was the first rule of pimpin’; never fall in love with your hoes. The blazing sound of the trolley had awakened him from his thoughts. She had taken all his money, all his pride, all his dignity and left him with nothing. Nothing but a crack habit and a bus pass. There he was Papa Dean on the trolley. He was old, broke, and busted. He hurried quickly though the station. He had a trolley to catch and his high was wearing off.