All posts by Richard

Jihad on Drugs™, Matthew, Propaganda

Tainted love

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Police warn on tainted E pills

A batch of Ecstasy pills that caused users to react so aggressively they had to be sedated may have contained a new drug that has caused similar reactions in the United States and Britain.

Staff at Middlemore Hospital’s emergency department were shocked by the violent seizures and hallucinations in people thought to have taken pills known as “red rockets”.

They reported users to be so aggressive that some required sedation – behaviour not normally consistent with Ecstasy.

… National Poisons Centre toxicologist Dr Leo Schep , said symptoms such as hallucinations were similar to those caused by a new synthetic stimulant drug … methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) … has been linked to episodes of violence and paranoia …

I don’t think so. I know people who report having taken MDPV on a daily basis for a year or more. Apparently, it’s quite the antidepressant du jour. That said, there’s no denying MDPV has a very bad reputation. This is not a drug for taking, this is a drug for laying down and avoiding.

Because police have not seized any of the pills, tests cannot be done to determine their content.

“I’m not saying it definitely is, but based on the symptoms that have been reported … it strongly suggests the possibility …”

I have no idea what fuels Red Rockets. Neither do the police, neither does the NZ Herald, and neither does Dr Leo Schep. Until we have test results from two or more independent laboratories, how about a nice big cup of STFU?

STFU

Why? Because sensationalism and disinformation are potent weapons in the propaganda War on Drugs™. The police and the NZ Herald are prominent aggressors. They’re on the wrong side.

Blessed are the peacemakers. (NIV)

(For what it’s worth, those on the ground have suggested AMT or 2C-X as possible ingredients.)

ACT, Jihad on Drugs™

Don, you da man!

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“Brash back to peddle his divisive policies,” said Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei in a press release earlier this year.

She’s not wrong that Brash picks issues that polarise! If you thought “one law for all” was polarising, check out (e.g.) the comments on the news item here. (“I cant believe any traditional ACT supporter would agree with this new policy.” “Right on Brash, you’ve just secured my vote.”)

I’m backing Brash to peddle more of his divisive policies. Let’s not suppress fundamental issues. Let’s debate them!

ACT leader questions marijuana laws

Police time and resources could be better deployed “in actually keeping us safe from real criminals intent on harming us”, he said.

About 400,000 New Zealanders were cannabis users and that was their prerogative in a free society, he said.

He drew on a report by the Global Commission on Drug Policy which, two months ago, said the international War on Drugs was a failure and recommended governments explore legalising marijuana and other controlled substances, he said.

“They reported that drug prohibition has had devastating effects on individuals and societies all around the world and said the War on Drugs as we know it should end.”

What better way to keep us safe from “real criminals intent on harming us” than to vote them out?

In a brief statement today a spokeswoman for Prime Minister John Key said: “National has long held the view this would be a step in the wrong direction”.

Police Minister Judith Collins said ACT’s cannabis policy was going in the wrong direction.

Family First national director Bob McCoskrie said Dr Brash’s calls to decriminalise marijuana was dangerous.

“A weak-kneed approach to marijuana use will simply send all the wrong messages that small amounts of drug use or dealing aren’t that big a deal.”

I’m weak at the knees over Don’s approach to marijuana use. Small amounts of drug use or dealing aren’t that big a deal. And nor is saying so.

Paul

Romans 12:14-21

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Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NIV)

Paul

Philippians 4:8-9

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Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (NIV)

Paul

Ephesians 4:29-32

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Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV)