TRENTON — New Jersey lawmakers say they’re concerned about what President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions as attorney general could mean for marijuana legalization, but they’re still planning to move forward after Gov. Chris Christie’s term ends in 2018. Trump said during the campaign he favors letting states decide whether marijuana should be… Read the rest of this entry »
Posted: November 27th, 2016 | Author: admin | Filed under: Marijuana, New Jersey | Tags: Marijuana, New Jersey | 4 Comments »
“It is tragic that the best advice one might give an addict begging for treatment is to get arrested.”
By Declan O’Scanlon
Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon
There are many issues and challenges we face as a society that are ripe for spirited political debate. Addiction isn’t one of them. Governor Christie’s position that we must treat addiction as something other than a crime is exactly correct. Addiction – whether you buy the disease designation or not – is for some people a virtually irresistible, destructive force that compels the addict’s cooperation in his own destruction. That concept can be a difficult one to reconcile for those who have had the good fortune not to have battled addiction – their own or a family member’s. Unfortunately, that pool of lucky people is dwindling as the heroin epidemic continues to voraciously march through our streets and schools. Alcohol, while not the substance of the moment, continues its incessant march.
There is room for debate about exactly what addiction is. Cancer is unquestionably a disease – seeming to have a mind of its own and an unrelenting mission no matter the intentions or actions of its victims. Addiction, in many ways, is much more complicated. It is a condition whose progression depends on the direct, intentional participation of the afflicted. The fact that the addicted are complicit in their own destruction is both frustrating and confusing for all involved. It is easy for caregivers and loved ones to be sympathetic to cancer victims. Addiction is as likely to elicit anger, blame and scorn as sympathy.
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Posted: September 12th, 2015 | Author: admin | Filed under: Declan O'Scanlon, Monmouth County News, Opinion | Tags: Alcohol, Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon, Declan O'Scanlon, Heroin, Heroin Epidemic, Marijuana, Opinion | 2 Comments »
PUBLIC SAFETY: Time for some basic trick-or-treating tips for parents this Halloween: Reflective costumes or clothing for your youngsters, along with a flashlight or glow stick, are smart; Remind them to use crosswalks, be careful on or near roadways and not run – an uneven sidewalk can do serious damage; Inspect candy, of course – toss…
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Posted: April 5th, 2014 | Author: admin | Filed under: Crime, Crime and Punishment, Howell, Monmouth County | Tags: Howell, Liberato Empirio, Marijuana | Comments Off on Raid of Howell marijuana ‘processing station’ leads to one arrest
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Posted: January 3rd, 2014 | Author: admin | Filed under: Marijuana, Medical Marijuana | Tags: Colorado, Legalization, Marijuana, Pot | Comments Off on Pot Now Legal in Colorado | A Milestone for Marijuana… Now What?
Is anyone surprised that New Jersey’s efforts to revitalize Atlantic City are failing?
The news that AC’s latest hope for revival, Revel, is on the verge of bankruptcy and foreclosure is no shock. As Trump’s multiple bankruptcies over the years demonstrated, casino lenders are the biggest losers, next to bussed in seniors lured by a free roll of quarters, in AC.
Vice has always been the key to Atlantic City’s economic viability. For good reason. The place is a dump. You have to drive through a swamp to get there. It is very inconvenient. The lure of doing something enjoyable that is forbidden elsewhere has been the key to Atlantic City’s economy since the days of Nucky Thompson.
Now that legalized gambling is available in more convenient places and liquor is legal most everywhere, Atlantic City is doomed, unless it comes up with a new vice to make available.
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Posted: December 4th, 2012 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Atlantic City, Casinos, Chris Christie, Economy, Horse Racing Industry, Meadowlands, Medical Marijuana, Racinos | Tags: Atlantic City, Gambling, Horse Racing Industry, Marijuana, Racinos | 5 Comments »
