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Legalized marijuana goes to Conn. legislature

Published: Sunday, March 13, 2011

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Arnold Gold/RegisterState Sen. Martin Looney, D-New Haven, introduced a bill decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana.

By Mary E. O’Leary, Register Topics Editor

A Bridgewater man who wishes to remain anonymous smokes marijuana in his home earlier this month. Theman has pancreatic cancer and said the marijuana helps him tolerate chemotherapy treatments. (Brad Horrigan/Register)

Penny Bacchiochi doesn’t want anyone to have to go through what she did to ease the suffering of a loved one dying of cancer.

“twenty years later, I still remember the fear I felt. it is not right to put someone through that, who is only acting on the advice of a doctor,” Bacchiochi said of her illegal purchase of marijuana to ease her husband’s nausea.

When all other medications had failed, the marijuana helped his appetite and stabilized his weight after he had lost 80 pounds from chemotherapy treatments.

Her husband succumbed to the disease, but Bacchiochi, the Republican state representative from Somers, has been campaigning for the past seven years for the state to allow the medical use of marijuana, a measure that cleared the General Assembly in 2007, only to be vetoed by then-Gov. M. Jodi Rell.

This year, with the support of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and the leadership of state Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, D-New Haven, it has a better chance of passing.

Lawmakers will also take up separate legislation to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana and to allow judges the option of home arrest for certain nonviolent drug offenses involving less than 4 ounces of marijuana.

The bills are offered as an update of the state’s marijuana laws that proponents say will save money and bring Connecticut into line with 15 other states on the use of medical marijuana and a growing number that have decriminalized personal use of less than an ounce of marijuana, including

Massachusetts. That state passed it overwhelmingly two years ago by referendum.

“it takes away the specter of arrest for otherwise law-abiding people,” said Michael Lawlor, referring to the medical marijuana bill. Lawlor, the former longtime representative from East Haven and chairman of the Judiciary Committee, is now Malloy’s criminal policy adviser in the Office of Policy and Management.

A poll released by the Quinnipiac Polling Institute this month found 79 percent of voters were in favor of the medical marijuana bill, while 65 percent felt it was time to stop treating possession of small amounts of pot as a crime. Continued…

Being able to enjoy a meal

Ken, 61, a stage four pancreatic cancer patient who lives in the Danbury area, was always trim, but after aggressive amounts of chemotherapy, his weight dropped precipitously from 160 pounds to 136 pounds.

“this is not curable. I’ll be on chemotherapy for life,” Ken said of the two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off routine he has been undergoing since his diagnosis in September. “my appetite was my biggest problem. it was painful to eat food,” he said, and medications for nausea weren’t working.

It wasn’t until he started to smoke marijuana before meals that he was able to keep his food down. “Now I can eat a regular meal and enjoy it. I can get some nourishment in me,” said Ken, whose weight has climbed back to 144 pounds.

“I definitely hope this law passes. I think it is ridiculous that it (marijuana) is not available to people with cancer,” he said.

Ken, who continues to work from home as a health care advocate when his cancer treatments are not too tiring, said he is only interested in using the drug for medical purposes.

“I’m not looking to get high,” he said.

The legislation protects patients and their caregivers who have a certificate from a physician attesting to their need for the drug. this gets around federal prohibitions against doctors writing prescriptions for marijuana.

The debilitating conditions listed in the bill include cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and glaucoma.

Lawlor said the law would allow patients to grow four marijuana plants no taller than 4 feet high for their own use. Connecticut however, wouldn’t be like California, which has a system of dispensaries for medical pot, and the proposed bill leaves unanswered how patients would obtain the seeds to grow these plants. Continued…

“it doesn’t seem to be a big problem to get your hands on it,” Lawlor said of marijuana in general, although sellers would still be subject to prosecution and actually legalizing marijuana is not in the cards.

Outside of medical needs, a separate bill would decriminalize possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana. it would treat it as an infraction, similar to a parking ticket, where people 18 years of age and over would pay a 0 fine.

Looney said prosecution for small amounts of marijuana “is a misappropriation of criminal justice policy,” which brands offenders with a record and consumes court resources that could be put to better use.

“At the end of the day, cases are usually concluded with some kind of dismissal, but the process to get there is elaborate,” Lawlor said, referring to court time, record keeping and personnel from the public defender’s office.

A study by the legislature’s Office of Fiscal Analysis of a similar bill proposed in 2009 that would have decriminalized possession of less than half an ounce of marijuana found that the Superior Court handles 2,700 cases each year for minor drug possession, with three-quarters of them involving marijuana, at an estimated cost of 0,000 in court resources.

The total number of marijuana arrests for persons over age 18 in 2007 was 8,118, representing 5.7 percent of total arrests statewide, with 76 percent involving less than half an ounce of the drug. Assuming an equivalency of resources allocated to each arrest regardless of type, the cases represented .8 million in state costs and .2 million for local law enforcement, according to OFA.

“our drug policies have been flawed for a long time. I’d like to think there is growing support for the bills. this is all related to finding cost efficiencies in the criminal justice system,” Looney said.

Malloy, in his budget message last month, said he hopes to save millions with new incarceration policies for some nonviolent offenders.

The third bill under consideration would give judges the option of house arrest for those now serving mandatory time for second and third offenses involving possession of less than 4 ounces of marijuana. About 50 individuals are incarcerated at Bergin Correctional Institution in Somers for these offenses. Continued…

“despite the reforms of the past decade, we are still spending money we don’t need to spend imprisoning people who, if given access to the treatment they need, would pose no threat to any of us. and who can eventually become productive members of our society. this new policy will save us millions of dollars, which is a benefit of a more enlightened policy whose time I think has come,” Malloy said in the address.

The bill would also apply to the 300 individuals at Bergin who are serving mandatory prison time related to multiple arrests for driving under the influence.

The medical marijuana bill, decriminalization of possession of small amounts of the drug and the option of house arrest for some minor drug offenses are all the subject of a public hearing at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford on Monday.

While the use of pot for medical purposes passed the state Senate 32-13 and the state House 89-58 in 2007, opposition remains to that bill, as well as the decriminalization effort, and will again be led by state Sen. Antoniette Boucher, R-Wilton, who is convinced more than ever that they are bad ideas.

“I call it the get-soft-on-crime program. It’s the get-out-of-jail-free state and puts us in exactly the opposite direction than we should be going,” Boucher said.

She opposes decriminalization on health grounds, as well as calling it bad criminal policy, and cited numerous studies that point to memory, heart, lung and immune-suppression problems tied to marijuana.

Boucher said states that had approved medical marijuana are now reconsidering it, with the Montana state House voting last month to rescind it. Approved in 2004 by 64 percent of the vote, there is a split between those who want reforms of the law, where medical usage has exploded through a Wild West approach to marketing, versus those who want it repealed.

“this is not your 1970s pot. It’s 10 times greater in strength,” she said, and it is making a comeback among high school students with numerous studies being conducted on the effect on teenagers.

“we are in the business of protecting health and safety. Why go in the opposite direction?” she asked.

Support for allowing patients access to medical marijuana has supporters of all ages. Lindsay, 26, who lives in northeastern Connecticut, suffers from Crohn’s disease, as well as post-traumatic stress syndrome from an abusive relationship.

Permanently disabled, she said the pain medication prescribed for her had left her housebound and made it difficult for her to care for her young son. Weaning herself off those medications and using marijuana for pain and to stimulate her appetite, she feels in control of her life. She is back in college and close to getting her degree.

“the law is outdated. If it improves someone’s life and doesn’t hurt anyone, why make it illegal? I’m not using it as a form of entertainment,” she said. She would like to see the state go one step further so it is controlled, both in terms of purity and cost.

If the Crohn’s symptoms are acting up, she said she needs it more than other days. on the most basic level, “it helps me get up in the morning and make my kid’s breakfast.”

Call Mary E. O’Leary at 203-789-5731. Follow us on Twitter @nhregister.

Click thumbnails to enlarge

Arnold Gold/RegisterState Sen. Martin Looney, D-New Haven, introduced a bill decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana.

By Mary E. O’Leary, Register Topics Editor

Penny Bacchiochi doesn’t want anyone to have to go through what she did to ease the suffering of a loved one dying of cancer.

When all other medications had failed, the marijuana helped his appetite and stabilized his weight after he had lost 80 pounds from chemotherapy treatments.

This year, with the support of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and the leadership of state Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, D-New Haven, it has a better chance of passing.

Massachusetts. That state passed it overwhelmingly two years ago by referendum.

Being able to enjoy a meal

“I definitely hope this law passes. I think it is ridiculous that it (marijuana) is not available to people with cancer,” he said.

Ken, who continues to work from home as a health care advocate when his cancer treatments are not too tiring, said he is only interested in using the drug for medical purposes.

“I’m not looking to get high,” he said.

The debilitating conditions listed in the bill include cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and glaucoma.

Malloy, in his budget message last month, said he hopes to save millions with new incarceration policies for some nonviolent offenders.

The bill would also apply to the 300 individuals at Bergin who are serving mandatory prison time related to multiple arrests for driving under the influence.

“I call it the get-soft-on-crime program. It’s the get-out-of-jail-free state and puts us in exactly the opposite direction than we should be going,” Boucher said.

“we are in the business of protecting health and safety. Why go in the opposite direction?” she asked.

If the Crohn’s symptoms are acting up, she said she needs it more than other days. on the most basic level, “it helps me get up in the morning and make my kid’s breakfast.”

Call Mary E. O’Leary at 203-789-5731. Follow us on Twitter @nhregister.

The following are comments from the readers. we ask that you be polite. Offensive comments will be removed and repeated offensive comments could lead to being banned from commenting. In no way do the comments represent the view of nhregister.com.

Mike R wrote on Mar 13, 2011 4:14 AM:" I went through the same thing with my brother. the chemo made it nearly impossible to eat, he went from 220 down to 130 pounds, the only thing that helped him was pot. He would smoke it and at least get one good meal a day in. I hated having to do something illegal to give a dying man a bit of comfort his last months on Earth. R.I.P. Joey, miss ya. "

j wrote on Mar 13, 2011 7:25 AM:" they should legalize pot altogether. this country has everything backwards. we overload our population with pharmaceuticals, but we ban an herb that has been making people feel good for thousands of years. Legalize, regulate, and tax the stuff. also a good way to solve the budget problem. "

2 j wrote on Mar 13, 2011 7:32 AM:" so true CT law enforcement spends millions trying to catch the teenager with 1/10th of a gram to send through the court system.

Prohibition didn’t work either. "

don wrote on Mar 13, 2011 7:54 AM:" Legalizing pot is long overdue. making otherwise good people into criminals is worse then any harm the drug could do. I’m 62 years old, run a very successful high tech business and have been smoking pot since collage. I enjoy it turning me into a criminal is a crime in itself. "

Lindsay wrote on Mar 13, 2011 8:40 AM:" i would just like to say to anyone who thinks that the opposition is justified, please try living without experiencing life, and then find a cure, and then see if you’re ready to give that up. Thank you to all those who take the time to support this cause- i think we all know it’s long overdue. "

mr cheech wrote on Mar 13, 2011 8:46 AM:" Of course this gate way drug will pass this Democrat assembly. California has hundreds of store front so called "medical"marijuana "clinics". Young people as young as 12 years old have gained access to this drug as adults sell it to them. If you complain of a headache you can easily get access. If you think texting is causing many accidents on our highways, you haven’t seen nothing yet after this bill passes. the ignorance of Sen Looney and Gov Malloy is astounding. "

PJ wrote on Mar 13, 2011 8:49 AM:" What a JOKE!!! look and Listen to the people in California,and the reason’s why they have medical CRAP. Most say I DON’T KNOW. Had a doctor who gave me a priscription.What a JOKE!!!!! also ask Penny if she is sick and is that the reason she smokes POT !!! "

The Joker wrote on Mar 13, 2011 9:01 AM:" did you ever wonder why it took an amendment to the Constitution to outlaw alcohol but no amendment was needed for Congress to outlaw marijuana?

Drug laws in this country are abused by the government. Just look at drug forfeiture laws, the police get to presume that private property is "guilty" of being purchased with drug money and seize it without a hearing in court. the police then get to keep the "guilty" property for their own use of sell it to fund their department. If the accused wants to get their property back, they have the burden of proof regarding the funds used to buy the property. want to take a guess at the success rate of accused people recovering their property from the police?

No wonder the police are so against reforming drug laws…

This reform is long overdue. the government has no constitutional right to tell us how we use our own bodies. "

Please… wrote on Mar 13, 2011 9:11 AM:" whether or not your for legalizing Mja, they are not being truthful when they say this will save money, it won’t.

There is NO ONE currently in jail for only possessing a small amount of pot. "First Offenders" can use no less than 6 different programs like AR or DEP prior to even being prosecuted at all. Most "first" (really fifth) arrests lead to a small fine. this bill will lead to more time in court, not less. People won’t have the option of programs and treatment (including kids!) but rather will fight the infractions in Court which will REQUIRE not one but TWO Trials to convict. and the lab will now have to test all this stuff at great expense.

Also by the way, kids who possess alcohol will be treated more harshly than those that possess pot. Alcohol convictions suspend your drivers license. under this pot won’t.

If these folks want to do it, just say your legalizing it instead of saying it will save taxpayers money. That’s just not going to happen. "

Hashbury wrote on Mar 13, 2011 9:23 AM:" Hashish is way better. Thank God for Amsterdam. "

ACPD wrote on Mar 13, 2011 9:26 AM:" the history of how pot became outlawed reveals a great deal about the less than honorable intentions of the government and its agents at the time. In fact Fiorello La Guardia, as mayor of NYC, commissioned a famous investigation on the potential ill-effects of pot. they concluded there were none, but the federal government’s agents refused to deal with reason. they had another agenda.

Pot was not condemned until the early part of the last century, when it was portrayed as a means to justify the anti-immigrant sentiments of the time. Those who wanted to prevent Mexicans from being able to immigrate into this country made up the story that these individuals all smoked this terrible weed that made them crazy and dangerous to society. a similar approach was used to outlaw cocaine by tying it to racist views of blacks in the South.

(There are several segments on the History Channel about this history.)

It is time that this nonsense stopped and the government stopped playing both ends against the middle. it is time for a little common sense and honesty over this herb. "

small offenders wrote on Mar 13, 2011 9:37 AM:" Are sentenced to programs that are subsidized by our taxes- (that business has boomed.) and the only reason that it is even caught is because marijuana ia actually larger than most drugs/ alcohol- legalize it and it get rid of the criminals- so we can focus on real problems. Using it and driving for instance. use tests like breatherlizer to catch those driving on it. use some commmon sense. Gateway drug? Nonsense put out by the hysterical "just say no" crowd! tried it first almost 40 yrs ago and have yet to do anything stronger- same with most people. Have not had it in years and OK with that too. Would I ever do it again? Probably, if the situation presented itself. "

shoregirl wrote on Mar 13, 2011 9:41 AM:" it always amazes me at what we have to bury the truth under, to get things done in this country.

Medical marijuana has many uses. Good ones. this is well known. yet yes, some want to use it for recreation as well. Why should that bother anyone, anymore than someone wanting to have a glass of wine for "recreation?"

I do not smoke marijuana. But… I don’t see any more of a problem with it than people drinking. Good God, if you drove through downtown Milford even last night at 11 p.m. there were still drunks on the road (scary) and wandering around. yet that is celebrated in our culture.

Why must we always wait until things are so hopeless and sad, to take action in this world? Say the words "legal marijuana" and instantly the vision of a suffering cancer patient is there… someone DYING for crying out loud. Why do we go to this measure before we will pay attention to obvious things?

How about a healthier vision for the "legalization" of marijuana? Yes, it is good for medical reasons like helping cancer patients. but that is VERY DEPRESSING and its time we stop "using" and energizing illnesses as an excuse to get things done. What if there was no cancer? then what would your position be? What would it "look like" then? "

Yank wrote on Mar 13, 2011 9:51 AM:" sure, buy all the alcohol you want which has ruined so many people but no pot. Stupid laws. I’ve never used pot or alcohol but I know of so many victims of alcohol who would be better off using pot instead. Just a matter of time I guess.Pot will be legal. "

to don wrote on Mar 13, 2011 9:56 AM:" You run a high tech business? I’m glad you aren’t a brain surgeon.

Having said that I agree the "war on drugs" isn’t going very well and probably never will. I’m not against some kind of legalization or decriminalization if it can be proven that crime and incarceration rates will be significantly lowered.

Seems the catch in this proposed law is being able to get the seeds without committing a crime. "

Sam Adams wrote on Mar 13, 2011 10:03 AM:" we need to stop making criminals rich, and stop making ordinary people criminals.

Prohibition did not work for alcohol and it is not working for marijuana.

Just because it is legal does not mean it is okay. it merely means it would no longer be a crime.

Stupidity is not a crime either yet no one wants to be stupid by choice. "

HIghDEMS wrote on Mar 13, 2011 10:22 AM:" one would think that our progressive DEMS would love not to get arrested for being high on the job.

Medical YES with restricted growers, not every person like Cal.

Home arrest yes, LEGAL NO!!! "

Common Sense or is that CENTS wrote on Mar 13, 2011 10:34 AM:" 1. Legalizing Marijuana would stop major drug cartels in Mexico. 2. If it was legal here and taxed (like cigs, alcohol, gas) we would solve 55% of our national debt.3. Not fair to people that need it medicinally, EX: cancer patietns, patients with severe neurological diseases.4. Have you ever seen a stoner start a big bar room brawl? NOOOOOOOOOOOO. Have you ever seen a big old drunk start a bar room brawl? YESSSSSSSSSSSSS. Study prohibition; not legalizing Marijuana has such strong similarities to bootleg.5. the pharmaceuticals are much more of a GATEWAY drug, as these holy rollers and right conservative hypocrits clain, than pot. EX: Rush Limbaugh and all his rich friends. "

Frank G wrote on Mar 13, 2011 10:53 AM:" BOTTOM LINE!…..Legalizing weed for ONLY! REAL LEGIT CASES OF TERMINAL CANCER AND NOT BS SO CALLED ILLNESS LIKE SORE BACKS AND BLURRY EYES IS ACCEPTABLE………FOR THE FOOL WHO STATED WEED IS NOT a GATEWAY DRUG JUST BECAUSE IT NEVER LEAD HIM TO ABUSE OTHER DRUGS NEEDS TO REALIZE THAT EVERYONE DONT REACT THE SAME TO SMOKING DOPE AND PROBABLY HALF OF THOSE WHO START SMOKING WEED BECOME ADDICTED TO OTHER DRUGS……………GEORGE SOROS RECENTLY DONATED 1 MILLION OF HIS SO CALLED HARD EARNED DOLLARS TO THE LEGALIZE WEED CAMPAIGN AND WE KNOW WHY. TO KEEP THE SHEEP DUMB LAZY IMPOVERISHED UNINFORMED AND DEPENDENT = EASY VOTES FOR COMMUNIST DEMOCRATS "

keving3 wrote on Mar 13, 2011 11:10 AM:" Don, thank you, couldn’t have said it better.Sen. Antoniette Boucher, R-Wilton needs to become educated, the ignorant should not be allowed to make laws.I am also in my 60s, have been smoking since I was a teenager, I am a felon and have served jail time for simple possession. It’s hard to believe some of the ignorant comments by lawmakers I just read, you’re going to "rehabilitate" me? and make me a productive member of society? how the hell do you think I pay for this overpriced stuff?by working hard in a high tech field, that’s how!!stop worrying so much about the next election and do something meaningful, legalize all drugs, tax them, balance the budget, stop trying to rehabilitate folks who can see clearly as day that it is YOU who needs rehabilitating!Maybe we should open a "rehab" for politicians, educate them and eliminate the ignorance. Accidental overdoses are a miniscule number compared to auto accidents, why haven’t we criminalized cars? Common lawmakers, what are you waiting for? "

timemachinist wrote on Mar 13, 2011 11:21 AM:" Frank G, if you were honest about it, you’d recognize that alcohol is the "gateway" drug if there is any such thing. That is the non-medical drug most commonly used to alter moods and perception, and the drug that legitimizes the concept of intoxication in popular culture. Why are you not clamoring for alcohol dealers and consumers to be jailed and hounded out of their careers? Why do you think alcohol and tobacco should be treated differently than other drugs? Alcohol and tobacco are deadly addictive drugs, sold in the presence of children in public places (Stop & Shop). and guess what? That is actually as it should be because those drugs and their commerce would be a lot more dangerous if prohibited.

Regarding the discredited theory of marijuana as a "gateway" drug, I refer you to no less an authority than the Institute of Medicine which argues that it is the ILLEGAL STATUS of marijuana that is the gateway to other illegal drugs, and nothing inherent to cannabis itself as a drug:

nap.edu/html/marimed/ch3.html

Because it is the most widely used illicit drug, marijuana is predictably the first illicit drug that most people encounter. Not surprisingly, most users of other illicit drugs used marijuana first.81,82 In fact, most drug users do not begin their drug use with marijuana–they begin with alcohol and nicotine, usually when they are too young to do so legally.82,90

There is no evidence that marijuana serves as a stepping stone on the basis of its particular physiological effect. one might argue that marijuana is generally used before other illicit mood-altering drugs, in part, because its effects are milder; in that case, marijuana is a stepping stone only in the same sense as taking a small dose of a particular drug and then increasing that dose over time is a stepping stone to increased drug use…

The gateway theory… is a social theory. the latter does not suggest that the pharmacological qualities of marijuana make it a risk factor for progression to other drug use. Instead, the legal status of marijuana makes it a gateway drug.82

ND73 wrote on Mar 13, 2011 11:40 AM:" one of our new haven leaders. no name mentioned, but we all know who I am referring to, used to smoke everyday in high school and always stoned up at UCONN "

Stringer Bell wrote on Mar 13, 2011 11:54 AM:" Call in Jimmy McNulty. You know Jimmy, from the Western District. Jimmy is a naturall police. Tru dat. Mos def. "

liberalism is a mental disorder wrote on Mar 13, 2011 1:02 PM:" Connecticut gets what it deserves. three branches of Government right now looks Iman Obama, Pelosi and Reid. They’re getting as much social justice as they can before the next election. As goes Masachuett’s, Connecticut is right their, next in line with theri Moonbat legislation. Small amounts of marijuna or not it’s still an illegal drug. cant wait for the first policticain to get caught and say it’s for his ‘headaches". Only people going to be left in New England is going to be mad dog liberals,students , union hacks and enviormetnalist communist. "

A 100 joke wrote on Mar 13, 2011 1:05 PM:" we all know how well this is working out in California..everyone gets the prescription for this..everyone.Everyone manages to have a bad back.If it’s for terminal cancer patients they have access to much better pain relief than this, unless their point is to get high and forget their troubles.That said, please watch the documentary of the Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia if you want to witness what happens to people who start smoking this garbage when they are young and how they turn out. it destroys the cells of young people’s brains and alters who they should have become. It’ much more sinister than potheads will admit to. "

Barry Soitera wrote on Mar 13, 2011 1:23 PM:" Marijuna works on people with chronic pain. "no kidding" it’s becase their HIGH stupid.

Do I need a Yale doctor to tell me this. Your academic pedigree means nothing in this debate. "

timemachinist wrote on Mar 13, 2011 1:46 PM:" To 100 Joke: is that how you’d characterize Carl Sagan too?

marijuana-uses.com/essays/002.html

Or these professionals?

marijuana-uses.com/read.html

Drug laws are completely unnecessary to fight crime. there are already laws against harming the prsons and property of others. Drug prohibition is really a culture war selectively waged on the consumers of some drugs in the context of other equally dangerous drugs being widespread and accepted. it is a phony public health policy that only makes problems worse.

Criminals and drug consumers are not at all the same thing, and misguided attempts to criminalize them has caused many new problems in our society. by recognizing the difference between personal lifestyle and genuine criminality, we could replace prohibition with legally regulated markets and let the police concentrate on REAL crime.

Same for your workforce. Hire and fire people based on competency and performance. a drug test that screens their private lives away from work tells you nothing about their work performance. Surely you have better measures of work performance than testing their urine for certain molecules? "

observing wrote on Mar 13, 2011 2:52 PM:" on the word of a reliable source there is a link between drugs, including alcohol, and crime. According to this source if you were to turn loose everyone in prison who was drugged at the time of commiting a crime the prison would be empty. Just saying for whatever it’s worth. "

Milford Taxpayer wrote on Mar 13, 2011 3:15 PM:" It’s so funny to read some of these comments here- many from the same people who, in other articles, whine and cry about the high cost of government.

Now, when there is a situation that actually could REDUCE government costs (at both the state AND local levels)it’s the ‘crazy liberal freaks’ and other stupidity.

It’s amazing. So, to make sure I understand this- we want lowered government costs, but we don’t want to pass a bill that would allow police officers to issue a simple infraction ticket to those caught with small amounts of marijuana- No- we want them to make a full custodial arrest, book the person and set up a court date.

Because, as we all know, it doesn’t cost a dime to do any of that. Right? "

Taxpayer wrote on Mar 13, 2011 3:31 PM:" Of course when the potheads need to be detoxed there will be a free (at the expense of the taxpayer) program to help them get stright. there is no end to what the liberal left will advocate for now that they have one of their own as governor. People who work hard for their living look out – Looney, Malloy and company got plans for your money. "

yipes wrote on Mar 13, 2011 5:41 PM:" It’s bad enough we have drunks driving on the roads and killing people left and right. Now we’re going to have a bunch of potheads doing the same thing. Watch how the fatal accident rate climbs if this bill is passed. Lawlor has totally lost it and thinks he can throw his weight around because he is kissing up to the governor. He wants to to get rid of the death penalty and legalize pot smoking. this state is heading into the crapper. "

Chris wrote on Mar 13, 2011 7:47 PM:" Just legalize pot already. it is absurd to even waste time debating it. "

Chris wrote on Mar 13, 2011 7:49 PM:" Taxpyer – you really need to stop thinking that YOUR way of life is the ONLY way of life. "

fun wrote on Mar 13, 2011 7:50 PM:" Legalize it and in honor of this big event , name your beautiful daughters who will be born that year – Marijuannas . "

fun PS wrote on Mar 13, 2011 7:54 PM:" Marijuanna on state assistance – how`s that sounds ? "

TheVolleyballGod wrote on Mar 14, 2011 12:57 AM:" I never met a pot head who wasn’t F’ed up in the head. "

Ignorant Busybody Prudes wrote on Mar 14, 2011 1:19 AM:" there is no rational reason for pot to be illegal, but pills and booze are OK.

Anyone against legalization either (a) never smoked pot or (b) smoked pot once and acted like an idiot and is still angry about it.

Marijuana is natural and has many uses other than smoking. It’s not bad. It’s easier to drive high than drunk. At least high, you can see.

And, the biggest reason — because people are going to do it anyway, but if it’s illegal, criminals get the money, where if it was legal, taxpayers would get the money.

Ignorant busybody prudes shouldn’t be allowed to make laws. Make it legal, and if you don’t like it, don’t smoke it. If someone you know gets "addicted" to it, they were gonna get addicted to something anyway, so don’t make the rest of us pay because you or your friend can’t hold their smoke! "

To TheVolleyballGod wrote on Mar 14, 2011 1:24 AM:" TheVolleyballGod said ‘I never met a pot head who wasn’t F’ed up in the head.’

Maybe you’re the one who’s messed up, dude. What makes you think you’ve got it so together?

And how many potheads do you meet? Where is it you go that you see so many potheads that you can form an informed opinion about people that smoke pot?

Inquiring minds other than Shoregirl want to know …. "

Duncan20903 wrote on Mar 14, 2011 2:47 AM:" There’s been more than a 47% drop in the number of people in "treatment" for opioid addiction since the California Compassionate use Act (CUA) passed in 1996, from 69,092 in "treatment" to 36489. the reduction of 32,603 opioid addicts in need of services is 1523 people short of the entire # in "treatment" for cannabis "addiction" in California in 2009. "

Duncan20903 wrote on Mar 14, 2011 2:51 AM:" Though not as impressive, there’s been a drop of 18.58% in "treatment" for cocaine addiction since 1996.

There’s been a better than 33.18% reduction of people in "treatment" for "drinking alcohol + another drug" but an increase of 21.37% of people in "treatment for "just alcohol". looks like cannabis is helping here, "just alcohol" people are notoriously and ironically "anti-drugs". Too bad. perhaps if they were more reasonable they wouldn’t be drunken stumblebums. "

Duncan20903 wrote on Mar 14, 2011 2:55 AM:" the 34,126 in "treatment" for cannabis "addiction" in California in 2009 represent less than 1/100th of 1 percent of California’s reported population of 38 million. Oh my, 1/100th of 1%, and that’s not even counting California’s millions of unregistered guests. "

Duncan20903 wrote on Mar 14, 2011 4:16 AM:" there were 172,277 people in "treatment" in California in 1996 when the CUA passed. this number rose to 180,104 in 2009, or an increase of 4.54%.

the population increased by 5,083,644 from 31,878,000 in 1996 to 36,961,644 or 15.947%

That means that since the CUA passed in 1996, the rate of people in "treatment" in California dropped 9.81% from .54% to .487% of the population. We’re still disregarding the millions of unregistered guests that have adopted California as their home.

All "treatment" data in the calculations above taken from:

wwwdasis.samhsa.gov/webt/quicklink/ca96.htm

wwwdasis.samhsa.gov/webt/quicklink/ca09.htm "

Duncan20903 wrote on Mar 14, 2011 4:21 AM:" Someone just whispered in my ear, "Duncan, how do we know that’s not a general, nationwide trend, and that California might have had an even better showing except that the CUA passed and got everybody hooked on phonics?" well that’s a good question. Let’s ask New York State, but we’ll need to keep in mind that New York’s population is ~19,000,000 or just about half of California’s population. we should also keep in mind that during the entire study period that the Rockefeller drug laws were in effect in New York during the study period and that the penalty for drug law violations in California rarely include jail time for hard drugs since Prop 36 passed in 2000, and that you would practically have to expose your privates to the Judge while telling him that his mother is a two bit hooker to go to jail for pot. "

Duncan20903 wrote on Mar 14, 2011 4:51 AM:" Do we really need to do the calculations for New York State after noticing that in 2009 there were almost twice as many New Yorkers than Californians in "treatment"? Oh well, just for kicks and giggles. Reminder New York has half the population of California.

Between 1996 and 2009 the number of people in "treatment in New York rose by 83,268 from 230,003 to 313,271 or 36.2%.

The population in New York rose 1,356,453 from 18,185,000 in 1996 to 19,541,453 or 7.459%

During the 1996 to 2009 time period the rate of people in "treatment" to the general population in New York increased from 1.264% to 1.603% or 26.819% That’s a 26.189% increase while California’s rate fell 9.81%

wwwdasis.samhsa.gov/webt/quicklink/ny96.htmwwwdasis.samhsa.gov/webt/quicklink/ny09.htm "

Duncan20903 wrote on Mar 14, 2011 5:09 AM:" In 1996 in New York there were 36,127 in "treatment" for Opioid addiction. That number rose by 40,359 to a whopping 76,486 in 2009, a stunning increase of 111.714%. during the same time period California shed 47% of theirs. perhaps the California junkies have all moved to New York? New York with half of Califoria’s population had more than twice the number of junkies in "treatment" for Opioids than California had in "treatment" for marry wanna dickshun. Heck, New York had more than twice as many junkies in "treatment" for opioids than California as well. "

Duncan20903 wrote on Mar 14, 2011 5:21 AM:" did somebody trot out the canard that were people able to buy it from a licensed merchant instead of a black market vendor that we’d see carnage and mayhem on the highways? So how the heck did California and 3 other medical cannabis States see a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of "drugged" drivers, leading the country to a nationwide statistically significant decrease in that rate?

That’s the trouble with hysterical rhetoric, it’s so often wrong, wrong, wrong.

On 12/10/2010 SAMHSA published the results of a study of the incidence in "drugged" driving and was pleased to announce that the nation…wide incidence of "drugged" driving had declined by a statistically significant percentage. they were also pleased to announce that there was not even a single State which had suffered a statistically significant increase in the incidence of "drugged" driving.

SAMHSA credited the nationwide statistically significant reduction in "drugged" driving to the 7 States which also enjoyed a statistically significant decreases in its incidence during the study’s time frame.

4 of the 7 States are States that have laws like the CUA which decriminalize medicinal cannabis. Alaska, Hawaii, Michigan, and (hold onto your hat!) California, the latter is of course the Know nothing prohibitionists "poster child" for medical cannabis run amuck. but that’s why I call them Know Nothings, because they simply know nothing about that which they seem so certain is true.

Attention Know Nothings: Read ‘em and weep:oas.samhsa.gov/2k10/205/DruggedDriving.htm "

Duncan20903 wrote on Mar 14, 2011 5:26 AM:" Crime increase? What crime increase? Try reality for a change: crime rates have fallen off of a cliff in California since the CUA was passed in 1996.

1996 population 31,878,000

crime index:… 5,207.8violent crime…..862.7property crime:.4,345.1

2009 population: 36,961,664

crime index:.. 3,203.5… -38.487%violent crime:… 472.0… -45.29%property crime: 2,731.5… -37.14%

disastercenter.com/crime/cacrime.htm

This is your brain: {{{}}}This is your brain on prohibition: {null}Any questions? "

Lindsay wrote on Mar 14, 2011 5:32 AM:" Thank you for the supporters of this bill, and for the arguement of marijauna being a ‘drug’, well, as a chronically ill patient who was on Rx narcotics for almost 5 yrs, i can personally say that there is a huge difference between a manufactured drug containing opiates and a weed. If you are really worried about ‘gateway’ drugs, maybe you should focus your attention on perscription drug addiction. and facilities have no other medical treatment options but narcotics as of now, so if you’re in chronic pain, expect to become an addict if you want to be treated in a legal manner. please also realize that there are many conditions out there that leave people disabled and in chronic pain. Furthermore, show a little compassion for humanity; no one is asking permission to become a ‘pothead’- we’re simply seeking justice for our own bodies. "

Revolution420 wrote on Mar 14, 2011 7:25 AM:" Hello, I am a Medical Marijuana patient living in Providence. I’m from Orange, CT (next to New Haven). my folks still live in CT & I visit regularly. For all the Dems & Repubs out there trying to draw the party line Medical Marijuana, I’d like to say I’m a die hard Tea Party Right-wing freedom fighter. we all know how corrupt the Gov’t is both left & right. For idiot totalitarians claiming to be "right-wingers", i’d like to say the Tea part stands for less government intrusion in daily lives, & individual freedoms. well Prohibition sure sounds like big-government control to me. If you are going to call yourself a Republican, get with the program & realize it’s the Left-wing Commies who think we’re all children needing to be taken care of. If you’re a Lib, realize it’s the Tea Party fighting for individual freedom. the corrupt Elite are good at "Divide & Conquer". "

Revolution420 wrote on Mar 14, 2011 7:36 AM:" many Leftists (& other ignoramouses) believe the Nazis were right-wingers. Nazi, however, means National SOCIALIST! Marijuana Prohibition is very "Nazi" like in it’s Totalitarian ideals. Only if Nationalistic Socialist ideals are "Right-Wing" ideals, is Marijuana Prohibition "right-wing". So, on this issue, many Leftist are following true right-wing idealogy, & many "right-wingers" are actually being SOCIALST! HELLO, FREEDOM! "

CTBiznisOwnR wrote on Mar 14, 2011 7:47 AM:" hey Taxpayer – yer on yer high horse like your the only guy around here paying taxes. I hate to interupt your first thought (your parents must be so proud) but nobody goes through "marijuana detox". there is no withdrawal symptoms from marijuana at all, as it not physically addictive. As for some others who apparently live under a rock, marijuana by itself has less effect on one’s driving ability than listening to music loud, eating, or using cell phone. There’s a study where alcohol impares 20-25% ability at legal limit, & marijuana is less than 2%, with eating while driving at around 10% impairment. "

Mike L wrote on Mar 14, 2011 8:17 AM:" Senator Boucher is delusional. She does not seem able to construct a rational argument in favor of her position, relying instead on anecdotes, hackneyed slogans, and discredited or bad science. this one uninformed individual should not be allowed to wield undue influence over a topic she does not understand. "

Observer1 wrote on Mar 14, 2011 11:29 AM:" Once again Looney Tunes Looney at the forefront. Medcial marijuana is baloney. its just an excuse to get high. In this day and age, are all you legalize weed burnouts really trying to make us believe that marijuana is the only drug out there to ease someone’s pain? If this poll is accurate, you and a lot of poeple in Connecticut are lacking. Gee, no wonder we continue to vote Democrat in this State while everything crumbles under their direction. "

enjoy wrote on Mar 14, 2011 12:47 PM:" Legalization of marijuana same as legalization of illegal immigrants is needed to make that new transition of the America we knew to America `open to everything` less painful and more enjoyable .Teachers and students , young and old , drivers and lawyers , people who is in charge of our present and future will be able to relax at work and after , and forget about worries for a couple times a day . So many lives will be ` saved ` , documents will be signed in that happy state of mind ! Good luck to us all !the ghetto will change it`s color , I guess . we all are going to be equal . "

JH wrote on Mar 14, 2011 1:24 PM:" Wow, Sen. Boucher is one impressive politician!

She can really deliver that staccato burst of rapid-fire lies – wow! very skilled propagandizing for big Pharma, she gets an A+ from Karl Rove for this impressive effort.

I’m guessing the hedge fund managers in her district making million per year figure they’ll always be able to buy cannabis in the event they get sick.

But we wouldn’t want the proletariat masses taking a little comfort in a free herb, would we? Maybe they’d slow the pace of buying useless crap at Walmart if they were contented with a bowl of the good herb? Maybe they’d realize they don’t have to borrow 0,000 from a huge bank to be happy? "

fun wrote on Mar 14, 2011 1:43 PM:" If you think it would be sold and taxed for the state`s profit , well , think again … People have enough space to grow it at home … Once it`s legal , how are you going to put stop on it ? I`m already thinking about the place on my backyard … lol ! "

PS wrote on Mar 14, 2011 1:53 PM:" no wonder California is still bankrupt state . "

Danny stebbins for President wrote on Mar 15, 2011 4:35 PM:" Dude understands it ain’t the end of the world if the boyz blow a bone together at the end of the day. Unlike the rest of the nazi state troopers he is cool and would make it legal. Legalize and tax, ban the guns people that is what the world wants. Teabaggers don’t get it. PEACE> "

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For the Developmentally Disabled, Harm in Safe Havens

Nearly 40 years after New York emptied its scandal-ridden warehouses for the developmentally disabled, the far-flung network of small group homes that replaced them operates with scant oversight and few consequences for employees who abuse the vulnerable population.

A New York Times investigation over the past year has found widespread problems in the more than 2,000 state-run homes. In hundreds of cases reviewed by the Times, employees who sexually abused, beat or taunted residents were rarely fired, even after repeated offenses, and in many cases, were simply transferred to other group homes run by the state.

And, despite a state law requiring that incidents in which a crime may have been committed be reported to law enforcement, such referrals are rare: State records show that of some 13,000 allegations of abuse in 2009 within state-operated and licensed homes, fewer than 5 percent were referred to law enforcement. the hundreds of files examined by the Times contained shocking examples of abuse of residents with conditions like down syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy.

At a home upstate in Hudson Falls, two days before Christmas in 2006, an employee discovered her supervisor, Ricky W. Sousie, in the bedroom of a severely disabled, 54-year-old woman. mr. Sousie, a stocky man with wispy hair, was standing between the woman’s legs. his pants were around his ankles, his hand was on her knee and her diaper was pulled down.

The police were called, and semen was found on the victim. but the state did not seek to discipline mr. Sousie. Instead, it transferred him to work at another home.

Roger Macomber, an employee at a group home in western New York, grabbed a woman in his care, threw her against a fence, and then flung her into a wall, according to a 2007 disciplinary report. He was then assigned to work at another group home.

Mr. Macomber, in fact, was transferred to different homes

Russ Buettner and Alain Delaquérière contributed reporting.

If you have information about abuse occurring in homes for the mentally disabled that you would like to share with the Times, e-mail tips@nytimes.com.

Source article Read more on New York Times

KIPP brings message to Raleigh

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Pride of 2016 wrote on Mar 13, 2011 9:45 AM:" To answer your question Practical in my very own opinion, I think it’s because at KIPP we stay in school until 5 monday- thursday and until 2 on friday. So by all of this being said we have more time in the classroom and at KIPP every second is learning. For example in all of my classes I have 1hr 15mins and at Public schools they only have 45min classes so we can see that just 30mins can make a difference on not just an education but really anything. "

2cute4u wrote on Mar 13, 2011 1:26 AM:" aw naw. dnt be talkin bullish bout KIPP when u KNO we do betta den all yall other skools. we learn 2 success and 2 success 4 college so we can be have future for life. i luv ma skool 2 death!!1 "

Graduatin KIPPster 2011 wrote on Mar 13, 2011 1:24 AM:" it is "funny" that the only thing many people can say about my school is negative. it is apparent that people do not like to see others succeed, especially if they are in your on community. That sound backwards does it not? Instead of speaking on things you obviously do not know anything about, how about making a suggestion on how to improve the schools in NC.

Conversations should not be about how one school is better than the other, but instead on what is working in the better school; in this case KIPP:.

If you are so concerned with other low performing schools, stop complaining and do something about it. it angers me that grown ups are less mature than teenagers. "

JL Pride of 2011 wrote on Mar 13, 2011 1:03 AM:" To the person who listed his/her name as Truth

I have to say that you are wrong about all of your claims.

1. Charters are not held to the strict laws like the Public Schools.

Charter schools are Public Schools therefore they are held to the same standards of the State. all students are required to take EOC’s and take the subjects necessary to graduate. this statement seemed like an accusatory statement saying that charter schools can get away with under-performance which is blatantly false and ignorant because the state will shut down charter schools for reasons such as one stated above or bankruptcy before they would even consider shutting down a traditional public school. Charter schools like KIPP receive only 80% of school funding from the state. Charters have to pay for their own facilities, transportation, and food. Knowing this, it seems like the state doesn’t even support its charter schools that much which is ironic because charter schools have had great success in the few years of their existence in NC. the top 5 EOC scores in US History and Civics and Economics last year came from charter schools and yes, KIPP Pride High School class of 2011 and 2012 respectively made KIPP part of the top 5.

I guess the only thing we don’t adhere to where traditional public schools do is the school schedule, which runs from 8am to 5pm.

"performance test"Sir or Maam please tell me when you or anyone you know had to take one when they went to KIPP. Charter schools are required by law to allow application and acceptance from anyone regardless of race, socio-economic status, or educational background. To not do so is discriminatory. all charters are required to hold a lottery when the number of applicants exceed the capacity of the school to accept these students therefore everyone has an equal chance of being accepted to the school.

These "performance tests" that you claim have to be taken are in all actuality "placement tests" where the school tries to figure out what grade level a student should be placed in, and take note of this, once they have been accepted to the school through RANDOMIZED SELECTION…therefore your claim is both false and misleading.

so who will educate your children?

KIPP wants as many students as it can legally teach. it is continually expanding and in 2012 it will open its elementary school. People like you who spew out misleading poison to ruin the school’s name are ruining the chance for KIPP to educate OUR CHILDREN. the fact that a senior like me knows more about state law regarding charter schools than you is proof of what kind of education KIPP gives to its students…

so what is practical?

Next time, do your research before coming up with an opinion or a claim. That’s both basic and PRACTICAL.

It is truly ironic that the name listed was truth when everything contained in the post was actually FALSE.

One truth out of context can prove very dangerous. –Gregory Phillips "

KIPP Student of 2012 wrote on Mar 10, 2011 4:19 PM:" KIPP has a regular lottery like all others. it is an insult to say it is loaded. "Performance test"? What are you talking about "truth"? I am a KIPP student and I had to apply just like everyone else. I never had to take a test. For the lottery, all KIPP asks for is a name and grade. they do not require nor ask for test scores or previous grades. As an ex student of a traditional public school I can say from exprience that KIPP does not pick the cream of the crop. I am not an honor roll student, and I never have been. however, KIPP is helping me pass my classes and actually learn and master the material. the great thing is I actually want to become an honor roll student and that is not a mindset that I had in my old school. KIPP seaks the students in need of inspiration and acedemic help. thats what it stand for: Knowledge is Power Program. its purpose is to help at risk students and not only get them to college, but get them through college. and THAT, my fellow readers is the TRUTH and should be the soul purpose of ALL education in EVERY school…not just KIPP. and I ask a favor of those who are against my school. If you are going to speak against it, please, educate yourself on the actual truth of KIPP. come to my school, sit in our classes, watch us, ask any student any question you want! 320 Pleasant Hill drive, Gaston NC is the adress in case you dont know how to get there. Thank you in advanced "

Morgan Johnson student class of 2011 wrote on Mar 10, 2011 11:15 AM:" KIPP has helped mein many ways and KIPP does not give a performance test. we work hard everyday from 8-5 if your child did not get into KIPP that is because of a random lottery not because your child is not smart enough for this school. I was diagnosed with a learning disablity in Warren County schools but when I got to KIPP I had A’s and B’s. What makes this school successful is the teachers. they work harder than any other teacher in this state in my opinion. they give in 120% and hold us to a high bar because they know what we are capable of. it is not magic we do not take the best kids or anything else. these are all rumors. You must have never visited our school or have actually seen what we do on a daily bases. before you make judement or assumptions or even excuses as Victoria said earlier. Talk to the students and the teachers of this school. even the parents they know the truth. "

Victoria Bennett 091st Graduating Class of GCP wrote on Mar 8, 2011 5:42 PM:" Wow! It’s amazing to see that two years after I’ve been away in college, ADULTS still are seeking excuses as to why hard and commitment ACTUALLY PAYS OFF!! 10 years ago people were still whining that we were only the "cream of the crop" and that’s why we did so well. NEWS FLASH PEOPLE!!! we did so well and continue to do so well because we worked our butts off and had great teachers and administration that pushed us to work even harder! I am a rising junior at both UNC Chapel Hill and Duke University and I can tell you that people worldwide support KIPP! Have I ever been suspended from KIPP? Yes. Have I been on bench at GCP? Yes. did I make Honor Roll and Principal’s List every quarter? no. Have I ever been called out and had my wrongdoings discussed in front of the entire school? Plenty of times. Have I ever wanted to leave KIPP? sure. but I didn’t. Have I not liked a teacher at some point and time? definitely, but I can honestly say that I love each and every one of them to this day. Because of all of that, I am attending school on a half a million dollar scholarship that I EARNED; that KIPP helped me EARN! my benefactor contributes to various foundations all over the world and when speaking at a scholar dinner, guess what his first topic of discussion was? KIPP GASTON COLLEGE PREP!! As a multi-millionaire who is a former hedge fund manager whose work wasn’t exactly in education, even he knew that what was going on in the peanut fields of Gaston was SUCCESS. there are students at both of my colleges dying to work for and be a part of KIPP and asking me questions about it every day. I cherish where I am from and will always will. In a few years, I hope to be back making an impact. I hope that by then, ADULTS will stop doubting members of the area’s future because they are performing well. Just because some of you know the very LEAST about hard work and commitment and therefore have not gotten beyond tasting success that lies in the area, doesn’t mean you should down kids who are trying to and who will because EVERY kid at KIPP WILL! You want EVERY kid in the area to as well? then WAKE UP and put some hard work in to get great results out because until then, you’re just going to keep make excuses and KIPP kids will forever look like “the cream of the crop”. while being seen as such may be favorable to some of you, to us KIPPsters it is more favorable to see ALL kids of our area be called the “cream of the crop”. "

Chrissy Poole wrote on Mar 8, 2011 9:53 AM:" I cannot help but wonder sometimes when I read some of the comments that have been made about GCP/KIPP whether those that have are making the comments have ever had a child attend the school. the comment from TRUTH could not be farther from the truth.Tammi Sutton doesn’t do anything to ensure that she gets only the "Cream of the Crop". over the years I have watched my kids work their butts off for their education! the have gotten on the bus before 6am and gotten home after 6pm. As a parent I have gone through this with them every step of the way. Why? Because I cannot send my children to county schools that are so bad that they have been taken over by the state of North Carolina. my children and all the others in Halifax County deserve better than that! when I took my son to GCP 8 years ago I was a desperate Mom who wanted him to get a quality education and I am happy to say that he did! He is now a student at NC State University, and I give so much credit to the staff at KIPP who pushed my child to excel.To UNKNOWN:I have 2 children who have attended KIPP, and have been a part of the PRIDE family now for 8 years. our kids are normal kids and yes we DO have behavioral issues! the difference is how they are dealt with, which is very swiftly and directly. Kids will be kids and they will make mistakes, but the bar is set high for expectations. Do they always meet those expectations? no, but they continue to strive to do their best every day.I am a very proud parent of James Brantley, who commented above. I had no idea that he had when I started reading this article and comments online. it is very rewarding as a parent to know that even now that he has gone on to college he still spends part of every break with his family at KIPP. our KIPP/GCP family is not perfect but it is a great one! "

James BrantleyFormer KIPP Student wrote on Mar 8, 2011 12:51 AM:" In a response to unknown and truth:KIPP does not pick and choose students. anyone can go to KIPP, anyone can do well at KIPP, and the students who aren’t the best seek out and get help from some of the best, most caring teachers in the world. we don’t excel because we are automatically the best; we excel because we work hard and put in the effort required to excel. So please, before you go knocking on a place that I know and love dearly, do a little more research, and actually know what you’re talking about. no one likes blatant ignorance. "

KIPP Parent Too wrote on Mar 7, 2011 10:43 PM:" Here is my response to the comments made by "Truth" that are typed in quotes :

"1. Charters are not held to the strict laws like the Public Schools."

This is true, which in turn begs the question, why don’t public schools lobby the State legislature to reform the laws they must operate by, after all, they spend plenty of time and money lobbying other laws that do nothing to help children. For the answer to that question, see my response to "PRACTICAL", assuming it will be posted.

"2. Sutton has all applicants take a "performance test" ensuring she only gets the cream of the crop students from the surrounding area. State laws require a lottery for admittance, so Kipp rigs their lottery with only high performing students."

NOT TRUE, my children were NEVER given a performance test for their admittance to KIPP, they were placed on the waiting list and admitted when their turn came, just like everyone else.

"3. So who is going to educate the rest of the children????Don’t ALL CHILDREN deserve an education?"

YES – which is why my children go to KIPP, because they were NOT adequately educated in regular public schools. If the charter school cap is lifted, the parents that desire their children to receive the best possible education will have more opportunities to do so. this will result in the smaller class sizes in public schools that teachers claim is so important to effective teaching. So basically, KIPP is doing them a favor. What’s the problem?

Oh, wait, I know what it is – once again, for the real answer to the question PRACTICAL posed, see my response. many people’s response to KIPP is a classic "crabs in a barrel" syndrome, when someone in the community seeks to excel, many of the other "crabs" will seek to pull him or her down. my suggestion to the other "crabs" to game up, or get out of the way. "

KIPP Parent Too wrote on Mar 7, 2011 10:15 PM:" In response to the question posed by "PRACTICAL".

"WHY CANT OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS MODEL THEMSELVES AFTER KIPP CHARTER SCHOOL??"

You have to understand that most of the public school districts in this area receive a lot their funding based on student failure and low expectations (For starters, Google "Leandro vs. State of North Carolina" and "Title II education funding" ). Providing an education that raises the level of ability of students beyond this would result in the loss of much of this funding, which would in turn threaten the job security of many administrators and teachers. this creates a culture in the schools that directly and indirectly perpetuates student failure and low expectations. Basically, like the kids used to say "it’s all about the Benjamins". It’s NOT about this kids. If it were truly about the kids, the traditional public schools would try and learn from KIPP, and be honest about the real problems public schools face instead of constantly seeking more money to sustain a dysfunctional system. "

KIPP Parent Too wrote on Mar 7, 2011 9:57 PM:" In reply to the comments made by "Response" , which I have typed between quotes.

"the expectations of KIPP are high, but when those same expectations are given in regular public schools, parents and students rebel."

As a parent with children that have been in regular public schools in this area, I can tell you this is NOT true. one of the reasons I enrolled my children in KIPP was due to disciplinary problems and the outright threatening environment my children were exposed to in regular public schools. the parents and students that rebel against disciplinary measures in regular public schools are the ones that tend to stay, not leave.

"the question should be why do parents worship a school that does the exact same thing as public schools?"

This reflects a very real ignorance about the KIPP school environment and curriculum. while my children attended regular public schools, they received very little instruction in history/social studies and science, while a vast amount of time was spent on the areas of reading and math. also, writing skills were TOTALLY ignored. currently, at KIPP, my children now receive a very thorough education in ALL subjects, providing them a much more well-rounded education. the teaching and learning standards in all subjects are much more rigorous at KIPP than in the regular public schools my children have attended.

The comments from "Response" is a prime example of the result of the type of education received in "regular" public schools in this area – very little depth and factual understanding. "

another GCP parent wrote on Mar 7, 2011 2:49 PM:" I have 2 daughters attending GCP/KIPP. both have been in since 5th grade, one being in 10th and the other in 9th now. neither of my children had to take a test to enter, they were put on the registration list and then when the time came for the students to be enrolled, they were involved in the lottery. I wasn’t sure if my 2nd daughter would make it in. her name was pulled 73rd out of 90 possibilities. So TRUTH, get your facts straight. they do not pick and choose who attends. Your child has just as much right and access to this school as any other child. the school is not perfect and has its issues just like any other school. the difference is how the issue is addressed and who is held responsible. the kids and the parents are just as responsible for their education as the teacher/school is. "

Another GCP parent wrote on Mar 7, 2011 2:45 PM:" one problem in this area is that a child cannot receive equal quality education at some (not all) area schools. this fact has been recognized and addressed in a court of law by Judge Manning. BUT blame should not lie solely on the schools and teachers but also on the PARENTS. Let’s face it some parents will not and don’t care to change. I don’t really see the ’school worshipping’ just 100% mutual support for each other and pride. I agree it takes ‘parents and students changing’ but it also takes enforcing school rules/policies. the teachers make a difference and expect the change. and its a change for the better. "

GCP parent wrote on Mar 7, 2011 12:30 PM:" "Kipp Parent" is absolutely right. To "Truth": my child was selected in the lottery and I can tell you she was NOT a high performing student and never took any performance test. She had never made honor roll until just last quarter at GCP. one key is the amazing support system this school has. Expectations are set high and students are encouraged continuously to meet them. and YES all children should receive a high quality education which is why lifting the cap is what GCP wants. "

UNKNOWN wrote on Mar 7, 2011 7:13 AM:" Because KIPP does not have to deal with behavioral issues! they pick and choose students from public schools that want to excel and learn. "

Response wrote on Mar 6, 2011 9:45 PM:" To answer your question, parents meet the expectations of KIPP without questioning anything. the expectations of KIPP are high, but when those same expectations are given in regular public schools, parents and students rebel. the same students that are performing well at KIPP performed well at their regular public school. the question should be why do parents worship a school that does the exact same thing as public schools? Parents will not buy a simple t-shirt in public school or even sign an agenda, but they will buy many shirts and sweaters at KiPP and sign contracts to attend KIPP. it is not the school, it is parents and students. KIPP teaches the same subjects, have the same teachers, but parents change when they get there. they follow rules, kids follow rules, they even agree to harsh punishments that public schools can’t do. "

Truth wrote on Mar 6, 2011 2:03 PM:" Why cann’t all schools be like Kipp?the answer lies in the laws of North Carolina.1. Charters are not held to the strict laws like the Public Schools.2. Sutton has all applicants take a "performance test" ensuring she only gets the cream of the crop students from the surrounding area. State laws require a lottery for admittance, so Kipp rigs their lottery with only high performing students.3. So who is going to educate the rest of the children????Don’t ALL CHILDREN deserve an education?That should be your question PRACTICAL! "

KIPP Parent wrote on Mar 6, 2011 8:51 AM:" Practical, the commitment students have at KIPP towards gaining the best education possible even if that means attending school til 5:00 is unlike anything seen in most public schools. these students no upfront they will have to make sacrifices, mainly in their social life, in order to be prepared for success in college and are more than willing to make these sacrifices. the teachers are energetic and excited about seeing ALL students succeed and actively teach students rather than sit behind their desk and assign "read and answer the questions at the end of the chapter" lessons. Another big part of the success of KIPP is that parents have to sign a contract (along with the student) stating they will be involved in their child’s education and also that they are aware of the expectations of their child. Misbehavior is addressed quickly and severely. KIPP/GCP is a wonderful school. "

PRACTICAL wrote on Mar 5, 2011 9:05 PM:" CAN SOMEONE ANSWER THIS QUESTION???

WHY CANT OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS MODEL THEMSELVES AFTER KIPP CHARTER SCHOOL??

I SURE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION!! "

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