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I see your point. But isnt it like saying " Coca Cola rules! ABC soda only gave $1000 to "The Help Fund" and Coca Cola gave $5000".... Although Coke has 50 billion in sales and ABC has 5 million. Who was more generous with their efforts? Your right - it was more total dollars, but the potential vs countries with way less wealth was way less - 7 times less. It does make some what of a statement concerning charitable actions. With that logic, I'll assume you have a 2 million dollar salary and double your 10K. We are much larger in "salary" then all the countries ahead of us. Agreed - but if one goes around and falsely proclaims a certain level of giving "US gives the most per capita" and is incorrect - I feel re-education is an appropriate response. But it is so easy for the rest of the world to acknowledge the difference between total giving and potential giving based on ones wealth. Yes, there is much more to spend out tax dollars on then Iraq! The US has the Highest Rate of Childhood Poverty in the industrialized world. IN the US 1 of every 6 children (1 of 3 children of color) live in poverty. In Sweden - 1 of 36; Germany - 1 of 20; and Britain 1 of 15. The US is #13 in young adults enrolled in Bachelor Degree college programs (tied with Italy). Finland is #1. The initial cost of the war in Iraq ($100B) is THREE TIMES more than the Federal Government spends on K-12 education. Military spending consumes 26 cents of your tax dollar (total budget = mandatory and discretionary spending). Education receives a mere 4 cents and class sizes keep rising! I would imagine I sound like a Leftist Liberal to most at this point, which really isnt the case. Just sickened by the priority of the Bush Admin to proceed with a war like this. There is so much that seems of higher value to America as a whole, and quickly deteriorating. Carpe Diem

I think that would be rushmc, who made the statement and it was based on "per capita" But put the aid on a per-capita basis and you get a different "generosity ranking". By this measure, Norwegians gave by far the most, with combined governmental and private donations amounting to $59 per head -- seven times more than Americans and 10 times more than Japanese. I wonder how much of the 857 billion dollar US pledge has actually been given or even earmarked. Although I'd agree that there are major political motives for Japan - they have already paid in full their 540 million - within days of annoucing it. Being an American and seeing first hand the constant private/religious generosity around me, I would have thought we were also. - back to topic- 52% of the FY2005 Discrestionary Budget goes to the military. I mean, ya got 421 BILLION for the military and 60 billion for education and 51 billion for health. A little out of whack in my eyes considering the healthcare issues we have now and to come. And the lack of popularity the war had and has with many Americans. It is very true that the spending on transportation, agriculture and environmental issues is much lower then could be. Because of Iraq. We do have other issues that need our immidiate attention to make the US stronger in other ways- Just doesnt seem to be a popular idea in this thread that a portion of those funds could actually accomplish a benificial result for everyday Americans in these areas. Not just the so called "leaches" Carpe Diem

You might want to look at the real numbers. The baby boomers are about to shock you with the SS payments they will be taking. Between military spending and paying out social security to those WHO DID CONTRIBUTE, mix that with Medicade (because US Healthcare is way over priced and abused by profesionals) You will see that spending on the "leaches" is way below what you think it is If you want to be angry at someone for taking from the system, move your anger to anyone hitting the SS age. Get pissed at your grandparents.....that's where a shit load goes...and will grow very very soon. Just shedding light - look up the numbers, I think you will be surprised - the poor inner city population that has been the target of these discussions is not the problem you think it is Carpe Diem

You are incorrect. I thought the same for years until I researched and found the the US is no where near the front of the pack when it came to "per capita" charitable spending - Nation or individual Compiled from reports by Reuters and U.N. agencies. In regards to the recent tsunami The $350 million (9.4% of the total world government gifts so far) that the U.S. government has contributed to the Tsunami relief effort is still substantially short of what our fair share should be when compared to what other nations are giving. It is less than 2/10 of one percent of the total of what has been spent on the Iraq invasion/occupation. Two days worth In per capita terms, U.S. development assistance is near the bottom of the heap, averaging roughly 13 cents a day--or under $50 a year--for each of its roughly 280 million citizens. No time now to provide links, but they are easily found. I was also surprised to find these results.... Carpe Diem

Many including Marinal- A pharmaceutical product, Marinol, is widely available through prescription. It comes in the form of a pill and is also being studied by researchers for suitability via other delivery methods, such as an inhaler or patch. The active ingredient of Marinol is synthetic THC, which has been found to relieve the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy for cancer patients and to assist with loss of appetite with AIDS patients. But, why not allow a cheaper alternitive vs being held hostage by Pharm companies and health plans when you can grow this your garden for medical use? people will react differently to different drugs - so finding the "best" or "only" solution for the mass's might not be fair for all individuals Why is it illegal for medical use? Because the govt see's no evidence that it could be helpful? - but - Therapeutic Aspects. 1975. Marijuana and Health, Fifth Annual Report to the U.S. Congress, Nat'l Institute on Drug Abuse, 117; Grinspoon, Lester and Bakalar, James, Marihuana as Medicine," The Journal of the American Medical Association, vol. 273, No. 23 1875-1876. says - The 1975 report of the federal government began its discussion of medical marijuana by stating Cannabis is one of the most ancient healing drugs." The report further noted: One should not, however, summarily dismiss the possibility of therapeutic usefulness simply because the plant is the subject of current sociopolitical controversy." Seems they have seen evidence but didn't want to hear it Agreed, but the grass roots efforts are being mainly driven by the Pro Pot side which includes all uses. btw - I've never smoked it - yet Dabbled with a brownie or two, but no smoke My position is based on the many family/friends that I have personally seen benifet from the drug - mainly nausea, where other prescription were not as effective and in kemo patience - where the appetite came back, without side effects. I agree the camps need to separate - maybe it should be on the govt's side though Medical vs Recreational There certainly are cases where people are using marijuana now, that never used before....but why worry about them -I guess our worries should be towards the avg Joe/Jane trying to light up Carpe Diem

....but according to some on this board, there is no medical evidence that marijuana can be used effectivly to reduce or relieve symptoms of medical illnesses..... ......seems not everyone agrees...including pharm companies I wish the US shared the same attitude towards this Carpe Diem

Lets hope no one uses "proof" as valid as "intel" used to "prove" there were wmd. Bush "we have proof" then Bush "our proof was based on bad intel" Lets hope the same level of "proof" doesnt surface against Bush - then we can all say later "aw - it was bad intel" ranting today - sorry Carpe Diem

Canada is the largest supplier of oil, natural gas and electricity to the United States... (edit) Mexico 2nd - depending on what month you look at. It seems the Saudi's have a new #1 customer. China Carpe Diem

Who said it was? Re-read my post My point was, think of the future. The total cost. The countries with the top five oil reserves are located ......in the middle east Carpe Diem

The war plan is a long term one, driven not by a present need for oil, but by the realization that in the decades ahead the world's oil will be concentrated more and more in the Middle East. The energy policy needs to look that far ahead too. If it does, and if it includes the economic and human cost of war as part of the cost of oil, it will conclude that an affordable, sustainable energy future requires as little oil and as much efficiency as possible Carpe Diem

Saw one at auction just a month ago - I think it went for about 1400.00 Interesting look to it - Carpe Diem

I've come across more gay females in this sport then males.Ya never can tell, if you really care enough to try I know 5 - 4/1 and all very cool folks I was an avid cave diver and used to travel with a global group that would meet at top locations every year. Did this for 6 years with the same 7 guys. Only recently was I made aware that 2 were gay - certainly did not fit any stereotypes who really cares anyway - might add more fun around the dz if a larger portion of "all outters" were buzzing around - always found them entertaining and uplifting to say the least Carpe Diem

OH please share Interested in the answer provided Carpe Diem

After a quick search on the web it seems there are many cases of misleading tactics being used to get to the "quota" Carpe Diem

Schivo That's all? I guess it's something Carpe Diem

So the federal government has the power to punish sick people using cannabis as medicine, on the advice of their doctors, even in states where medical marijuana is allowed. What the federal government doesn't have, even after this decision, is a good reason to do so. Using interstate commerce as the excuse is not a good reason - see the problem here Ron? So the law is flawed and will eventually overturned. In the mean time, the Feds can feel like they are occomplishing something by busting cancer patients with personal gardens. That's effective government Carpe Diem

***Cause some disagree:*** um, Since 1996, ten states have legalized medical marijuana use - so some also agree huh? Just in case you need details: State Statutes Recognizing Marijuana's Medical Value Alabama Code SS 20-2-110 to -120 (1984) Arizona Rev. Stat. Ann. SS 36-2601 to -2606 (supp. 1975-1984) Arkansas Stat. Ann. SS 82-1007.1 to -1052 (supp. 1985) California Health & Safety Code SS 11260-11270; S 11480 (West supp. 1985) Colorado Rev. Stat. SS 25-5-901 to -907 (1982) Connecticut Gen. Stat. Ann. SS 21a-240 to -308 (West 1985) Florida Stat. Ann. S 402.36 (West Supp. 1985), repealed by Laws 1984, ch. 84-115, S 9 (1984) SS 893.01-.15 (West 1976 & Supp. 1985) Georgia Code Ann. SS 43-34-120 to -126 (1984) Illinois Rev. Stat. ch 56 1/2, SS 701-719 (Supp. 1985) Louisiana Rev. Stat Ann. SS 40:1021-:1026 (West Supp. 1985) Maine Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 22, SS 2401-2420 (1964 & Supp. 1984-1985) Michigan Rev. Stat. Ann. SS14.15(7335)-(7336) (Callaghan Supp 1985-1986) Minnesota Stat. Ann. S152.21 (West Supp. 1985) Montana Code Ann. SS 50-32-101 to -405 (1983) Nevada Rev. Stat. SS453.740-.810 (1983) New Hampshire Rev. Stat. Ann. S318-B:10 (1984) New Jersey Pub. Health Law SS 26:2L-1 to -9 (West Supp 1985) New Mexico Stat. Ann. SS 26-2A-1 to -7 (supp. 1983) New York Pub. Health Law SS 3397-a to -g (McKinney 1984-1985) North Carolina Gen. Stat. S 90-101 (1981) Ohio Rev. Code Ann. SS 3719.85-.87 (Page Supp. 1984), repealed by 138v.S.184, S 4 (1984) Oklahoma Stat. Ann. SS 2-101 to -610 (West 1984 and Supp. 1984-1985) Oregon Rev. Stat S 475.515 (1983) Rhode Island Gen. Laws SS 21-28.4-1 to -11 (1982) South Carolina Code Ann. SS 44-53-610 to -660 (Law Co-op. 1985) Tennessee Code Ann. SS 44-53-610 to -660 (Law Co-op. 1985) Texas Stat. Ann art. 4476-15, SS 7.0-1-.10 (Vernon Supp. 1985) Vermont Stat. Ann. tit. 18, S 4471 (1982) Virginia Code S 18.2-251.1 (1982) Also: Massachussets Senate Bill 1582, passed by both houses and signed by Governor William Weld on December 31, 1991 ***So other than anicdotal evidence, has any Medical studies proven pot to be a good drug*** A bit dated - short on time at the moment Ames, Frances: "A clinical and metabolic study of acute intoxication with cannabis sativa and its role in the model psychoses," "J. of Mental Science," 104:972-99, Oct. 1958 Goodman, L. S., and Gilman, A.: "The Pharmacological Basic of Therapeutics," 2nd Edition, Macmillan, New York, 1955 Hardman, Harold F., Domino, Edward F. and Seevers, Maurice T., "General Pharmacological Actions of Synthetic Tetrahydrocannabinol Derivatives," 1971. Unpublished All based on case study and lets not forget the American Public Health Association http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/hemp/medical/apha.htm Carpe Diem

What, Lilly making many THC like drugs isnt good enough for you? http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/Library/studies/iom/IOMReport.htm[url] a good start. And, yes I have seen proof. I've seen chemo patients NOT eat until given marijuana in forms such as butter or vapors. Appetite increased dramatically allowing them to eat and maintain the caloric count necessary for recovery. I've seen cancer patience so sick they could not only not eat, but funtion enough to get out of bed. Marujuana relieved them of this issue to some degree. I've seen AIDS patients find comfort in smoking marijuana. I've seen many applications in many cases - proof in my eyes because I witnessed it with my own eyes James Anthony of John Hopkins also disagrees with you Ron. I can tell you he seems the type to have never tried it, but his findings contradict your views. His studies have shown him the same benefits with his patients...evidence I think we call that. In a study environment, by a medical professional with serious credentials. [url]http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_medical_info3.shtml[url/] ***Cause some disagree:*** um, Since 1996, ten states have legalized medical marijuana use - so some also agree huh? Just in case you need details: State Statutes Recognizing Marijuana's Medical Value Alabama Code SS 20-2-110 to -120 (1984) Arizona Rev. Stat. Ann. SS 36-2601 to -2606 (supp. 1975-1984) Arkansas Stat. Ann. SS 82-1007.1 to -1052 (supp. 1985) California Health & Safety Code SS 11260-11270; S 11480 (West supp. 1985) Colorado Rev. Stat. SS 25-5-901 to -907 (1982) Connecticut Gen. Stat. Ann. SS 21a-240 to -308 (West 1985) Florida Stat. Ann. S 402.36 (West Supp. 1985), repealed by Laws 1984, ch. 84-115, S 9 (1984) SS 893.01-.15 (West 1976 & Supp. 1985) Georgia Code Ann. SS 43-34-120 to -126 (1984) Illinois Rev. Stat. ch 56 1/2, SS 701-719 (Supp. 1985) Louisiana Rev. Stat Ann. SS 40:1021-:1026 (West Supp. 1985) Maine Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 22, SS 2401-2420 (1964 & Supp. 1984-1985) Michigan Rev. Stat. Ann. SS14.15(7335)-(7336) (Callaghan Supp 1985-1986) Minnesota Stat. Ann. S152.21 (West Supp. 1985) Montana Code Ann. SS 50-32-101 to -405 (1983) Nevada Rev. Stat. SS453.740-.810 (1983) New Hampshire Rev. Stat. Ann. S318-B:10 (1984) New Jersey Pub. Health Law SS 26:2L-1 to -9 (West Supp 1985) New Mexico Stat. Ann. SS 26-2A-1 to -7 (supp. 1983) New York Pub. Health Law SS 3397-a to -g (McKinney 1984-1985) North Carolina Gen. Stat. S 90-101 (1981) Ohio Rev. Code Ann. SS 3719.85-.87 (Page Supp. 1984), repealed by 138v.S.184, S 4 (1984) Oklahoma Stat. Ann. SS 2-101 to -610 (West 1984 and Supp. 1984-1985) Oregon Rev. Stat S 475.515 (1983) Rhode Island Gen. Laws SS 21-28.4-1 to -11 (1982) South Carolina Code Ann. SS 44-53-610 to -660 (Law Co-op. 1985) Tennessee Code Ann. SS 44-53-610 to -660 (Law Co-op. 1985) Texas Stat. Ann art. 4476-15, SS 7.0-1-.10 (Vernon Supp. 1985) Vermont Stat. Ann. tit. 18, S 4471 (1982) Virginia Code S 18.2-251.1 (1982) Also: Massachussets Senate Bill 1582, passed by both houses and signed by Governor William Weld on December 31, 1991 ***So other than anicdotal evidence, has any Medical studies proven pot to be a good drug*** A bit dated - short on time at the moment Ames, Frances: "A clinical and metabolic study of acute intoxication with cannabis sativa and its role in the model psychoses," "J. of Mental Science," 104:972-99, Oct. 1958 Goodman, L. S., and Gilman, A.: "The Pharmacological Basic of Therapeutics," 2nd Edition, Macmillan, New York, 1955 Hardman, Harold F., Domino, Edward F. and Seevers, Maurice T., "General Pharmacological Actions of Synthetic Tetrahydrocannabinol Derivatives," 1971. Unpublished All based on case study and lets not forget the American Public Health Association [url]http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/hemp/medical/apha.htm Carpe Diem

Nice point! Unfortuantly I see it often! People who purchase "illegal" substances for therapy, pain managment, chemo effects and other situations. They make levonantradol, nabilone, Marinol and other THC "like" drugs - but it's illegal to use marijuana in it's natural form - Carpe Diem

What a shame that current "drug" laws can make a useful drug iillegitimate because a law says so. What exactly is the difference to them here? That there is a sub culture that enjoys it in a recreational application and it can be produced by natural means? That they cannot tax it? Let the patient suffering from chronic pain, cancer, nausea, AIDS wasting, lack of appetite, schizophrenia, glaucoma and especially nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy continue to suffer - because Congress calls it "illegal"? Just re-god-damn-diculous Carpe Diem

"I missed you too - meet me by the Stroodle booth in an hour - bring the toy" Carpe Diem

1758? After the British put him in charge of all colonial Ranger companies for French/Indian War as lectured by a drunken Cor McCallum - with 4th RTB Carpe Diem

No - I would not In regards to skydiving - It is not logical to test for something on a certain day, that could have been injested weeks prior - leaving no altered state of consciousness at the time of the test. Just silly - Carpe Diem

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/ID/3909150/ 'WASHINGTON - Secretary of State Colin Powell reversed a year of administration policy, acknowledging Thursday that he had seen no “smoking gun [or] concrete evidence” of ties between former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and al-Qaida. http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/003/378fmxyz.asp According to the memo--which lays out the intelligence in 50 numbered points--Iraq-al Qaeda contacts began in 1990 and continued through mid-March 2003, days before the Iraq War began. Most of the numbered passages contain straight, fact-based intelligence reporting, which some cases includes an evaluation of the credibility of the source. This reporting is often followed by commentary and analysis. ...I guess, like a lot of other issues with this war, it's all about who you want to believe.....certainly not cut and dry..."intelligence" just isn't what is used to be Carpe Diem

Roger that - and thanks for your service But you'll admit that we have bombed residential areas, killing civilians, in the hopes the the intel was correct - and sometimes it's not....that was my origional point - nothing more - nothing less Welcome home! Carpe Diem