Nicely done story, Lynn. Thank you!

Clay Evans

Thanks, Jak.

Sorry, Jak, but the story's true.

Now, I failed to get their driver's license numbers or anything, but:

I went to dinner with my mother and sister at a new (and excellent) Thai place in Longmont, Malee Thai. After, I was to meet my wife and some friends at the Rush Archives/Dreamboat Annie concert at the Dickens Opera House (Rush Archives will blow you away if you like Rush). I parked on the south side of Third Street between Main and Coffman and was waiting on the NW corner of Main and Third when they approached me from behind. This was about 8:30, maybe 8:40 and I was anxious because I was so late to the show.

And I didn't say they were dopey — or that they had traveled here strictly to buy dope. They weren't and so far as I know, they didn't. They also didn't approach to say, "Hello, old, unhip-looking man, would you do the favor of illuminating us on the particulars of your new marijuana laws?" They just asked where to buy cigarettes, then where to buy pot. And I explained the situation to them. We had a little conversation - not all of which I included in the column. This is known as editing.

They seemed like decent guys who - yes - had evidently failed to do their Google homework and they didn't know what the story is. And I really did feel for them.

I assume they were here for reasons other than scoring weed, but it seemed clear that they were enthusiastic about the prospect - and deflated when I gave them the lowdown.

Accuse me of whatever you like, Jak, but one thing I don't do with my writing is make things up.

Bleeth, you surely aren't worth responding to, as you seem unwilling to cede any point, preferring to cling to your notions of other people's motivations.

But ... I didn't choose the "title" — in newspapers it's known as a "headline" — either.

Man, you seem really, really uptight for someone who's accusing me of, well, being uptight (and stupid, and clueless, etc.) If nothing else, that's what I thought pot was good for (but not for me; always made me hinky.)

The battle in Colorado is, for all intents and purposes, over. You want to demonstrate about federal marijuana laws? OK, but why should CU be required to host such a gathering? I'm sorry, but most in the crowd aren't thinking politics, but even if they were, what's the logic in protesting federal law on state government property? Seriously. Name one other public entity - university, local government, federal park, etc. - that would be open to hosting such an event? Can't think of one? Then why CU?

"Protesting" at CU by sparking up is meaningless as a political gesture. You may think that's why you're there, and that's great. But if the intention is to somehow apply pressure to change policy, you're wasting your time.

I'm inclined to agree with gbuck above: You doth protest too much!

Take a few hits and relax, friend.

Cheers.

Clay Evans

Fair enough. I don't personally think of Southern states as automatic backwaters. I am, for example, a big fan of William Faulkner; my family started a college in Rome, Georgia; my Tennessee relatives are doctors, lawyers, ministers - and all are liberal!

So, point taken. For the record, I do not think of Georgia as all backwater - she just happened to be on my mind after those guys asked about the "weed store."

You're right, Bleeth.

I admit I have a problem with not grasping your superhuman abilities to divine the motives and beliefs of other people and my life has become unmanageable.

Cheers!

Clay Evans

My, my, so many assumptions!

Nah, I don't like that cartoon. Your mind-reading skills may not be as good as advertised, Bleeth.

I did volunteer the information - but why in the world would anyone be offended by that simple assertion of fact? I don't like the stuff - very odd - and telling - that some people are bothered by that.

Again, I think you misread the column. Read the words and try to leave your personal interpretations to the side for a moment.

I'm a columnist. A little snark is fun and in a long line of tradition. And yes, I find those who fixate on 4/20 to be a little ridiculous.

Let me ask you this: Can you name any other public entity - university, city government, federal park etc. - that would be pleased to host the 4/20 party? Why should CU? It does undeniable damage to the university's reputation nationwide and with ever-shrinking state funding, that's a very real problem.

And wait! Did you read the response or not? I agree that MMJ probably helps many patients. But the way it's played out in Colorado is absurd. Many cardholders no doubt need the medicine, but it's not marketed like any other medicine. In addition - and I did a little personal investigation, here - anyone - and I really do mean anyone - could get a card. It was a total joke.

But I think the ridiculous "regulation" that the Legislature enacted did little more than drive people out of business. I hated it, and I hate what's developing in the statehouse as we speak re regulation of Amendment 64.

4/20 is a party. It's not about politics, never was, despite the presence of many people for whom that was true. Most of the people come from off campus to get baked together.

At any rate, enjoy your day. I really meant it when I say people are now free to get high in private - and good for them.

Cheers (again).

Clay Evans

This comment strikes me as entirely irrelevant to the conversation at hand.

Ever hear of the expression "straw man"?

Cheers.

Clay Evans

I agree that saying "the war is over" is too broad, and that it won't truly have been won until marijuana is legalized at the federal level.

Point to you, Bleeth.

I also believe that legalization is nearly a certainty, courtesy of demographics.

But 4/20 at CU? Nah. Nobody can claim it's "political" any longer. And ask yourself this: Name one other public entity - university, city government, federal lab or whatever - that would be pleased to host such an event.

C

I agree with MBVECO: Read the column. Also, please check out the longer response I posted below

Cheers.

Clay Evans