VIEW FROM THE TRENCH

VIEW FROM THE TRENCH:

Steven F. Groce, Attorney

Did you ever wish you could tell the world your opinion; because you know you are right, and your government, and the leaders that supposedly represent us all, even though they may be acting in good faith, seem misguided? This page represents my own personal viewpoints and opinions as to people, organizations, governments, laws and policies that may be unsound or misguided; while at the same time suggesting what I believe is a better approach.

It may not be CNBC, CNN OR FOX News, but it’s a voice; and each of us has a voice. The First Amendment is a very sacred and cherished right, that exists in few places in the world, so take advantage of it, and be heard.

Topics will change as often as I feel compelled to write, so check back frequently. Note: Links are provided below, where possible, so that if you want to express your own opinion, whether you agree with my philosophy or not, you can express it to those who are responsible.

VIEW FROM THE TRENCH: LATEST ARTICLE

MARIJUANA: THE GOAL SHOULD BE OUTRIGHT LEGALIZATION
NOTE: The following View From The Trench article, represent the opinions of Steven F. Groce, Attorney, in Springfield, Missouri, USA, and although these opinions certainly represent many members of NORML, they are not intended to represent NORML as an organization, or the opinions of all members.
NOTE ALSO: As a matter of record, neither Attorney Steven F. Groce, or the Law Firm of Groce & DeArmon, PC, encourages the use of any drug by any person, and adherance to the current laws that exist is always recommended, and the only advise that I or our Law firm can give. With that said, it is my personal opinion that in a Free society, every individual should be able to make his or her own decisions regarding the use of Marijuana, without the fear of Criminal prosecution.

Missouri Marijuana Law and Reform

Welcome: This Community page is brought to you by Attorney Steven F. Groce, in Springfield, Missouri. Life Member Attorney for NORML (National Organization for the reform of Marijuana Laws). 26 years experience in defending Criminal cases, with the majority of practice devoted to Drug and Alcohol violations. Also a Life Member Attorney for NACDL (National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers). For more information, see Law Office Web Site: WWW.ATTTORNEYDWI.COM

First: To everyone actively involved, or even thinking about getting involved, in the efforts for Legalization of Marijuana, in whatever form, you have my personal thanks, and your efforts are also appreciated by everyone else.

As a friend in Egypt discussed with me earlier this week, "Egypt has achieved what many considered impossible, but they have done it in the noblest way using the strength of peaceful protest, to achieve their aims, as opposed to violence. Though some people did try to provoke the protesters, they stood resolute and finally managed to get what they wanted: Egypt now has a former President! The Egyptian people showed to the world what power freedom can have. As fireworks burst over Tahir (Liberation) square, we congratulated hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions, of pro-democracy protesters for their accomplishments. Once the turmoil gave place to nationwide celebrations, Egypt entered a new age of democracy and prosperity."

In case you are wondering, why I am telling you this story from Egypt, I am doing so, as an example of what can be accomplished when we as citizens, not only stand up to be heard, but also stand together for the changes that we desire. Therefore, every one of us, has a role to play, and a voice to be heard. Do not think that your voice does not matter, because it does, and when it is heard along with the millions of other voices, the powers that be, will take notice. Attorney Steven F. Groce.

THIS BRINGS ME TO THE INITIAL TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION:
ISSUE: IS MEDICAL MARIJUANA THE TRUE PATH TO LEGALIZATION, OR WILL IT BECOME ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL? OR, TO REPHRASE THE QUESTION: SHOULD WE BE SEEKING LEGISLATION ALLOWING FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN MISSOURI, OR SHOULD WE BYPASS THAT ALTOGETHER, AND DEMAND OUTRIGHT LEGALIZATION?

THE PROBLEM WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA (ONE OF THEM), is that, while I see good uses for Marijuana in medicine, my personal goal and hope is that we will see outright legalization of Marijuana in Missouri and under Federal law also.

The problem that I see happening with Medical Marijuana, is that EVERY STATE THAT HAS DONE THIS, has now created an entirely new group of professionals with a vested interest in never seeing Marijuana legalized. That vested group, is all of the doctors that are making a fortune off of writing prescriptions, and in some cases also in dispensing Marijuana in various forms. I see that as frankly an insane approach to legalization. JUST THINK IF WHEN THE CONSTITUTION WAS AMENDED TO END PROHIBITION OF ALCOHOL, if the change had been for Medical Alcohol. We would all have to go to our doctor to get a script to have a beer. Doctors would have loved this too. Once a state has Medical marijuana, the doctors all move in fast and furious, and they will never want to give it up. They will never want to see Marijuana legalized. I propose that WE MUST STRIVE FOR OUTRIGHT LEGALIZATION! We should not, as in other states, where Medical Marijuana has been adopted, be creating another group of professionals that will forever have a vested interest in never seeing Marijuana legalized.
Attorney Steven F. Groce,
WWW.ATTORNEYDWI.COM

Click Link for: FACEBOOK Community Page: Missouri Marijuana Law and Reform

September 29, 2004

U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero, stood up to the Federal Government, and the abuses of personal freedom and liberty by the Justice Department, and the Patriot act, and struck down provisions of the act which had authorized the FBI to involuntarily compel both phone companies and internet service providers to turn over access to customer accounts, records and other information. The same ISPs and Phone companies were also prohibited from ever telling the customer that the search was being requested or had taken place.

In addressing the needs of the Government and of National Security, the Judge stated that National Security was of "paramount value;" but he made a comparison, and stated that personal security was of equal importance, and "especially prized in our system of justice."

The Court stated that the law violated the Fourth Amendment, on the grounds, in part, because it bared and detered any judicial challenge to the Government's search. The Court went on to state that the law also violated the First Amendment; because it included a permanent ban of any disclosure to the customer that a search had been requested or had taken place.

Judeg Marrero noted that the Supreme Court recently said that a "state of war is not a blank check for the president when it comes to the rights of the nation's citizens."

Marrero stated: "Sometimes a right, once extinguished, may be gone for good."

Within a footnote of the ruling, Judge Marrero cited language from a prior decision, written two years earlier, in which he strongly warned that Courts must apply "particular vigilance to safeguard against excesses committed in the name of expediency."

U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, was not pleased with the Court's decision, stating that "We believe the act to be completely consistent with the United States constitution."

VIEW FROM THE TRENCH supports and applauds Judge Marrero's decision. It takes a lot of courage, even for a Federal Judge, to stand up to the Government, when it comes to the abuses of the Patriot Act. Hats Off to Judge Marrero!

COMING TOPICS:

1. INSANITY OF THE WAR ON DRUGS: (SEE TOP OF PAGE. IT'S A START)

2. CHILD TAX CREDIT OR CHILDLESS TAX CREDIT, WHICH MAKES MORE SENSE?:

3. FEDERAL AND/OR STATE HEALTH CARE AND PENSIONS FOR ALL AMERICANS OR NONE. You, the Tax payer pays for it; but only Federal employees, and State and City employees, get it. Only when the people demand to share in the same Health care and Pension benefits that all Tax payers pay for, but only these select employees receive by providing for only themselves; and, if not, then nobody gets it, will things change.

4. MANDATORY RECYCLING IN SPRINGFIELD: Do it now, or drown in it later.

VIEW FROM THE TRENCH HEROS

From time to time, VIEW FROM THE TRENCH will recognize a person or organization that has gone beyond the call of duty, to make a difference in the world that we all live in.

NOTE: The decision to recognize an individual as a past or present Hero does not necessarily mean that VIEW FROM THE TRENCH has taken a position with a certain side of a conflict. Most conflicts or causes have many sides; and often good and bad, like Heros and also Villains are found in each of them.