A Response to a Classmate

My classmate Jordan has some interesting words for the Americans protesting Donald Trump's victory. I feel as though he has been swept away in the media's rendition of what is occurring during these protests, as well as a vague, ill-informed theory as to why they are happening in the first place. These protests are not because a particular candidate lost. Hell, some of the people protesting didn't even vote for Hilary Clinton. "The people" did not elect Trump, Clinton has won the popular vote by over 2 million at this point and continues to rise. So no, the people did not choose this man, they chose the lesser of the two evils. The protests are all that can currently be done to bring exposure to, and hopefully stop, any discriminatory actions that may very likely occur now that Trump is our President-Elect. These protests are not simply just anti-policy protests, they are a symbol for all who are afraid that there people who will care for, support, and will come to the aide of all who are targeted. While there is the possibility that Trump himself is not a racists, xenophobic, misogynist twit, there are millions (not all) of people who are and voted for him for sharing their "ideals". Trump, as the new figure head (as my classmate calls him), by not filtering himself, or condemning the actions of his followers, has given the green light to all those who feel deep rooted resentment towards certain groups of people. In the weeks since the election hate crimes have skyrocketed. People are being harassed, bullied, beaten, violated, and property has been vandalized. And this is from the side that won?! This horrible man has allowed a dark secret to re-emerge within our cities and towns. There is very much reason to be afraid, not only of damning and discriminatory policies, but also of their own countrymen. These protests, are not necessarily about Trump, but rather what he stands for. Yes there has been a few accounts of vandalism and violence at these protests, but there are really only a few few cases out of the hundreds that have been, and currently are still, held. Sure they shouldn't block roads, but how else would you get media attention? They want the world to see that they do not agree with, or belong with, the foul humans who voted for a power mad, lying, bigoted asshole. They want those in fear to know that they are not alone. Media attention can be a good thing if used properly. I think my classmate's tone in his article is harsh, un-empathetic, and rather more of a rant than a well thought out comment. Life is very hard, and for these minority groups it is even harder. As long as your skin color is white, and you are some form of God worshiping Christian, life can be relatively simple. These protests aren't "sniveling" kids boo-hooing about a lost election. It is so much more than that. If at any moment people actually stopped and looked into what is happening in our country, they would quickly realize this. So no, I and many like me will not "SHUT THE FUCK UP". We will continue to scream and fight until our lungs give out and our fists bleed. An injustice has been forced upon us and these protests are only the beginning.

Medical Marijuana In Texas: All Hope Might Be Lost

It seems, to me, as though Texas legislators just will not allow Texas to be a caring, understanding and progressive state. Through the model of numerous other states, we have clear evidence of the benefits of medical marijuana to not only the patients who receive it, but also to the economic well-being of the states themselves. Studies have shown time, and time again that, thus far, no negative effects of medical marijuana can be found on the body or brain. Crime rates in a few states that have legalized marijuana have dropped, the quality of life for sick patients has increased, teen marijuana use has dropped. But Texas just won't acknowledge these truths. We are forcibly held, against our will, from moving forward and accepting the advances in medical health. Yes, yes, I am aware that Abbott signed the Compassionate Use Act last year, but there are so many intentional mis-wordings throughout the bill that it is nothing more than words on a paper to appease the masses. The strict language used in the bill only allows one condition as eligible to receive the treatment. One very specific form of epilepsy is permitted to using low THC high CBD oil. Don't get me wrong, I think that's great. I mean...it could also benefit so many other people, but that's fine Texas; lets just dip our toes in the medical marijuana game. Except for the intentional fact that the bill dictates that doctors must "prescribe" the medical marijuana rather than suggest or refer a patient to use it. This specific language automatically prevents any doctor from ever allowing their patients to try medical marijuana. It is still federally illegal and a doctor would lose their licence, if not imprisoned, for "prescribing" the substance. So right off the bat we have a "compassionate" act that can only help one group of sufferers...and they can't even get the medicine because their doctors can not legally prescribe marijuana.

Now, just recently, the Texas Department of Safety has changed the licensing fees for potential dispensaries. The bill initially states that it would allow up to 12 vendors with a modest buy in of $6,000 and $6,000 every two years for renewal. A new amendment has been proposed to cut the number of vendors down to three and charge $1.3 MILLION for entry fees and $975,000 every two years for renewal. This is absurd! Absolute lunacy! This insane price would drive potential vendors away from Texas.We would be lucky if even one company agreed to buy in to this s**t plan. I read in an article by New Cannabis Ventures that mentioned the DPS tries to justify it by saying that they had to hike up the prices because of new requirements they came up with. They now want a State Trooper posted outside each dispensary 24/7 and that would cost them a lot of money to pay those guards, thus the need to make more money off incoming vendors. A lot of people, myself included, are concerned that even if a company did begin operations in Texas, the patients would no longer be able to pay for the medicine due to the company's need to remake some of the money lost just to open.

This whole horrible, deceitful, debacle is absolutely ludicrous. Our government sure does know how to weave loopholes, while doing just enough to get the votes they need for re-election.

The proposed amendments, and outrageous price, is up for a "comment" period until November 28th. I suggest we give 'em hell, and force our will on those a**holes. Let's find out just how open they really are to comments.