MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'barak obama'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:33:10 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3273059&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2162 LGBT ally Rep Diane Watson will not run for re-election by Karen Ocamb February 11, 2010 Longtime LGBT ally Congressmember Diane E. Watson (D-CA) formally announced Thursday that she is not seeking re-election. She wants Karen Bass, the outgoing Speaker of the California Assembly and another pro-LGBT ally, to replace her representing California’s 33rd Congressional District. Watson’s openly gay legislative deputy Charles Stewart describes below how his boss told her staff she was retiring. But first something about Watson. I first met Diane Watson in the early 1990s at AIDS activist Phill Wilson’s house for a meet and greet with the California State Senator, where she’d been serving since 1978. First thing that struck me was how tall she was – statuesque and elegant and smart. Tu... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3273059 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:26:33 +0100 3273059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197839&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2118 Cut! Why did the Supreme Court ban videocasting of the Olson-Boies marriage trial? By Jenny Pizer, Marriage Project Director, Lambda Legal(on (left, pictured here with her wife Doreena Wong) January 14, 2010 Following the emergency appeal filed by the Prop 8 team, the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled 5-4 that the federal marriage trial may not be videocast for public viewing at other federal courthouses.  The earlier plan to upload trial video to the court’s website already had been nixed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ Chief Judge Kozinksi, who decided there are technical problems to be worked out before webcasting will be possible. The high court’s majority decision is troubling in its accommodation of Prop 8’s proponents’ supposed fears of harm.  As the dissent ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197839 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 06:12:34 +0100 3197839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3044967&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2074 [december 1, 2009, world AIDS day] richard kearns, poet advocate. here is my poem for world AIDS day, 2009. (i have given the clerk copies) jeff was dying, i was not a hundred karposi lesions covered his body & made him look like nijinsky in afternoon with a faun, only skinny he was my captain of bright & stormy mornings my saint & my man he was my AIDS hero (more than mine) & i hated he was leaving me i wanted to pour into him all the life left to me — because i could never hope to be good enough to survive this plague by myself, let alone for anyone else — because i was cannon fodder — because we needed him i told him so one day he laughed & then — i don’t remember how — he scooped up my tanned gym-hard bod in his pale & thin ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3044967 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:42:18 +0100 3044967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3037062&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2071 [november 24, 2009] good morning president pro tem perry, distinguished council members. i have given the clerk copies of my prepared remarks. my name is richard kearns. i am a 58-year- old gay man living with AIDS in los angeles for more than 20 years — a long-term survivor & AIDS activist, a medical cannabis patient & advocate, a poet & journalist. an angelino. my intent in addressing you this morning is to comment on the character of the meetings i missed last week: monday’s joint PLUM & public safety committee meeting & the city council meeting that followed it wednesday. i was too sick to make it downtown last week — i wish medical cannabis cured everything, but it doesn’t. however, i did listen & watch on the internet (thank you for making tha... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3037062 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:23:47 +0100 3037062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3037063&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2062 LA City Attorney wrong about AG by Don Duncan November 25, 2009 The Los Angeles City Attorney’s office misrepresented the position of California Attorney General Jerry Brown today, implying that the state’s top law enforcement official said that all sales of cannabis are illegal. That never happened. On Saturday, KFI Radio in Los Angeles broadcast a previously recorded statement by the Attorney General Brown in which he says, “Unfortunately, in some communities, Los Angeles in particular, there’s a lot of exploitation and just getting into the drug business, the dope business.” Pundits at the notoriously conservative radio station (home to Rush Limbaugh and anti-gay crusader “Dr. Laura” Schlesinger) then added their own spin to the Attorney General’s comments. The reporte... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3037063 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:43:04 +0100 3037063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3037064&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2058 Global Fund Approves $2.4 Billion For Global HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Programs By Nora Proops Nov 21, 2009 On November 12, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria approved grants worth $2.4 billion to support treatment of these diseases worldwide. Although it is the second largest amount ever approved by the Global Fund, the number of accepted grants fell by 35 percent from the year before. The Global Fund is an organization that attracts aid from wealthy governments and the private sector for distribution among poor countries to prevent and treat people with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. These diseases account for 12.5 percent of deaths in low-income nations, according to 2004 World Health Organization estimates. Since its inception in 2002, the Global ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3037064 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 02:36:32 +0100 3037064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3017195&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2052 Amending motions to LA medical marijuana ordinance posted online by brett stone mmjnews november 19, 2009 All of the amending motions to the 5th draft ordinance regulating medical marijuana collectives in Los Angeles that were presented in city council on Wednesday are posted online at - http://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrec\ ord&cfnumber=08-0923 Also the agenda for next Tuesday’s city council meeting has been released, the medical marijuana ordinance is item #10. See - http://ens.lacity.org/clk/councilagendas/clkcouncilagendas363681_1124200\ 9.pdf Peace brett (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3017195 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:43:35 +0100 3017195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3004039&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2049 D.A. chides L.A. council, says he’ll target pot dispensaries Steve Cooley insists sites that sell marijuana are violating state law and will be prosecuted. Of the City Council’s effort to pass an ordinance, he says: ‘Quite frankly we’re ignoring them.’ By John Hoeffel November 18, 2009 With the Los Angeles City Council poised to take up a medical marijuana ordinance after two years of contentious debate, L.A. County Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley warned Tuesday that he intends to prosecute dispensaries that sell the drug even if the city’s leaders decide to allow those transactions. “The L.A. City Council should be collectively ashamed of their failure to grasp this issue,” Cooley said, arguing that state laws do not allow medical marijuana to be ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3004039 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:46:19 +0100 3004039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3004040&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2047 D.A. will prosecute medical marijuana dispensaries — even if L.A. does not ban sales [Updated] “It makes no sense to play political football with people’s lives.” says councilmember Reyes in update below [after jump], by John Hoeffel November 17, 2009 Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley said today he will prosecute dispensaries that sell medical marijuana even if the Los Angeles City Council adopts an ordinance that does not ban such sales. On Monday, two council committees rejected the city attorney’s advice and changed a provision in the proposed ordinance, allowing cash transactions as long as they complied with state law. “Undermining those laws via their ordinance powers is counterproductive, and, quite frankly, we’re ignoring them. They are absolutely so irrelevant it’s not... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3004040 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:33:43 +0100 3004040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3004041&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2045 In rebuff to city attorney, council committees support pot dispensaries Rejecting advice that Los Angeles must ban sales, lawmakers endorse patients’ cash contributions to outlets, which cannot make a profit. By John Hoeffel November 16, 2009 Two Los Angeles City Council committees rejected the advice of the city attorney and voted Monday to approve an ordinance that allows marijuana dispensaries to continue to sell the drug to people with a doctor’s recommendation. The city attorney’s office has maintained for a year and a half that Los Angeles has no choice but to ban sales because state law and court decisions are clear that collectives can only cultivate marijuana. That opinion had stalled the council’s deliberations because dispensary operators insisted it wou... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3004041 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:11:28 +0100 3004041 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3004042&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2043 West Hollywood’s medical marijuana success story The small city enforces a strict ordinance and eliminates the drama that plagues L.A. By John Hoeffel November 16, 2009 A few miles from Los Angeles City Hall, a small experiment in marijuana regulation has been underway for years. While the state’s largest city passed a flawed moratorium, failed to enforce it, debated proposed rules endlessly and watched flummoxed as dispensaries multiplied, West Hollywood pressed ahead. Confronted with its own dispensary explosion in 2005, the city surrounded by L.A. imposed a moratorium on dispensaries, clamped interim rules on the ones that were open, passed a strict ordinance and capped the number allowed at four, all within two years. When the West Hollywood City Council updated its ordina... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3004042 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:54:25 +0100 3004042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3004043&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2041 boxer We are honored to have Senator Barbara Boxer share with Courage Campaign members her commitment to strip the horrific Stupak Amendment from any healthcare reform bill and pass true health care reform. Her message is powerful. We need to show her — and the nation — that thousands and thousands of us stand with her by signing the petition. –Rick Jacobs, Chair, Courage Campaign Dear Friend, Ten days ago, the House passed the Stupak Amendment, which would be one of the biggest setbacks to women’s health in recent decades - unless we stand together and stop it. That’s why we are launching a petition at FightForWomensHealth.com, because women must not be denied access to safe and legal medical procedures. Will you join us? Click here to stand with us t... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3004043 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:49:37 +0100 3004043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2993910&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2018 Medical marijuana gets a boost from major doctors group The American Medical Assn. changes its policy to promote clinical research and development of cannabis-based medicines and alternative delivery methods. By John Hoeffel November 11, 2009 The American Medical Assn. on Tuesday urged the federal government to reconsider its classification of marijuana as a dangerous drug with no accepted medical use, a significant shift that puts the prestigious group behind calls for more research. The nation’s largest physicians organization, with about 250,000 member doctors, the AMA has maintained since 1997 that marijuana should remain a Schedule I controlled substance, the most restrictive category, which also includes heroin and LSD. In changing its policy, the group said its goal was to cl... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2993910 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:37:16 +0100 2993910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989356&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2015 [tuesday, November 3, 2009] good morning president garcetti, distinguished council members. i have given the clerk copies of my prepared remarks. my name is richard kearns. i am a 58-year-old gay man with AIDS, a long-term survivor & activist, a medical cannabis advocate, a poet & journalist. i am here this morning to suggest a plan B for medical cannabis in LA please empower a special high-speed ad hoc medical cannabis team, who, starting with the text of the city’s legislative analyst submitted to the plum committee september 25th can finish translating the whereases to section numbers inside a month (sort of like going from iambic pentameter to dactylic hexameter) & not to “correct” them, but to produce a good faith medical cannabis ordinance, one that spells out fees... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989356 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:49:10 +0100 2989356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2977521&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1997 chers— this is the second publication of this letter, which originally went to rocky degadillo, the LA city attorney at the time (march 4, 2009). in it, i itemize the many problems with a “cultivation only” type ordinance for people who are sick & dying, an ordinance such as the current city attorney, carmen trutanich, has currently proposed, an ordinance whose intent is to shut down medical cannabis in los angeles by making the regulations unreasonable, contrary to the intent of voters and the LA city council. i will be offering a copy of it to mr. trutanich at the lgbt community forum tonight. he is a big supporter of same-sex marriage, and rode in gay pride in councilmember dennis zine’s motorcycle brigade. what’s the problem with medical cannabis? his... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2977521 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:31:01 +0100 2977521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974160&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1980 Drug Policy Changes Under New Director Talk of the Nation The Department of Justice will no longer prosecute medical marijuana users who comply with state laws. Some reform advocates hope the move means decriminalization of pot may be in the works. Drug czar Gil Kerlikowske talks about the direction of U.S. drug policy. REBECCA ROBERTS, host please click here to kisten to audio recording of Kerlikowske’s interview on the NPR site This is TALK OF THE NATION. I’m Rebecca Roberts in Washington. Last month, medical marijuana advocates cheered when Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the Department of Justice will de-prioritize cases against medical marijuana users and dispensaries, as long as they comply with state laws. But Gil Kerlikowske, the director of the Office of N... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974160 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:52:54 +0100 2974160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2948449&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1958 Is LA’s City Attorney a Wolf in Loose Cannon Clothes? CityWatch By Ken Draper Oct 30, 2009 So what are we to think of our Carmen Trutanich? Is the City’s attorney a sad buffoon or a wonderful, much needed, City Hall bully? As has become the case in this considerably divided national and local political climate, the answer to who won the game depends on which side of the field the fans are sitting. As a society we’ve become quite good at defending … making excuses for … the foolish performances of those we blindly support. Such is the case these days with LA’s heat-seeking and controversial City Attorney. A bunch of folks love him and rationalize away his over-the-top behavior. (“He knows what he’s doing … it’s all part of a plan … he has City Hall right where he wan... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2948449 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 03:14:55 +0100 2948449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2948450&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmpegmedia.abc.net.au%2Fnews%2Faudio%2Ftwt%2F200910%2F20091030-twt-6-marijuana-tussle.mp3 US vows crackdown on medical marijuana By Kim Landers for The World Today, ABC news australia Fri Oct 30, 2009 Audio: LA officials to clean up the joint(The World Today) Officials in the United States are vowing to crack down on medical marijuana facilities even as the Obama administration signals a new hands-off policy on the drug. Los Angeles officials have been agonising for two years over a move to introduce what they call sensible guidelines to help regulate the booming industry. In the US, 14 states have laws allowing the use of medical marijuana, but no state has gone further than California and no city has gone further than LA, where there are more marijuana dispensaries than public schools. Brian Berens is the owner of Green Oasis, a medical marijuana dispensary in LA. “Da... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2948450 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:29:14 +0100 2948450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2947090&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1946 Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act Signed into Law REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT SIGNING OF THE RYAN WHITE HIV/AIDS TREATMENT EXTENSION ACT OF 2009a Diplomatic Reception Room 11:58 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, everybody. AUDIENCE: Good morning. THE PRESIDENT: We often speak about AIDS as if it’s going on somewhere else. And for good reason — this is a virus that has touched lives and decimated communities around the world, particularly in Africa. But often overlooked is the fact that we face a serious HIV/AIDS epidemic of our own — right here in Washington, D.C., and right here in the United States of America. And today, we are taking two important steps forward in the fight that we face here at home. It has been nearly three decades since this virus first... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2947090 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:40:17 +0100 2947090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944018&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1936 Obama to sign Ryan White reauthorization Friday Measure would provide funds for an additional four years By CHRIS JOHNSON Oct 29 2009 President Obama plans to sign into law on Friday a reauthorization of funds under the Ryan White Care Act, according to Shin Inouye, a White House spokesperson. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 would provide funding for low-income people living with HIV/AIDS for an additional four years. First enacted in 1990, the Ryan White Care Act is the nation’s largest federally funded program for people living with HIV/AIDS and is designed to assist low-income patients who are underinsured or who have no insurance. (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944018 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:47:52 +0100 2944018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944020&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1923 Farr Introduces Medical Marijuana Fair Trial Bill Wed. October 28, 2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Sam Farr on Tuesday introduced legislation that would allow individuals accused of violating federal marijuana laws to offer evidence in federal court that their use of medical marijuana followed state medical marijuana laws. Rep. Farr introduced the bill, called the Truth in Trials Act, in the wake of a recent directive from the Justice Department telling federal prosecutors not to prosecute individuals who are following state medical marijuana laws. The bill would codify legal protections for defendants caught between state and federal laws, ensuring that state medical marijuana laws remain a defense in federal trials even if a future administration overturns the recent guidelines. &#... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944020 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:50:58 +0100 2944020 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944021&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1921 One City’s Insane Fight Against Obama’s Sane New Pot Policy The administration has officially put a stop to crackdowns on the medical-marijuana business, but to hear the dispensers tell it, nothing’s stopping Los Angeles from finding every last ridiculous loophole By John H. Richardson October 27, 2009 Two years ago, in the throes of a Bush administration that disregarded states’ rights whenever it felt like getting high on itself, there were fewer than two hundred medical-marijuana outlets in Los Angeles. Today, even the most conservative estimates say that number has quadrupled. On one stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard alone, four thriving pot shops estimate their tax payments at $4 million a year. Got an emergency radiation treatment and can’t find the n... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944021 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:22:49 +0100 2944021 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944022&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1915 POT GROUP: BANNING MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES WOULD COST L.A. MILLIONS Story Published: Oct 25, 2009 Los Angeles’ proposed medical marijuana ordinance, which would outlaw the sale of pot at dispensaries, would cost the city $36 million to $74 million in lost sales taxes, a marijuana advocacy group asserted Sunday. Under the proposed ordinance, only nonprofit medical marijuana collectives — groups of qualified patients and their primary caregivers — would be allowed to cultivate the drug to relieve pain from serious illnesses. According to the California chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, the proposed ordinance would “effectively shut down the city’s medical marijuana distribution system by banning all sales of marijuana... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944022 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:46:34 +0100 2944022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944023&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1913 Los Angeles could act on medical pot in early November A proposal to ban all sales of medical marijuana in the city is unlikely to be taken up next week. Aides to Councilman Smith say he supports it and believes it would force most dispensaries to close. By John Hoeffel October 23, 2009 The Los Angeles City Council moved Thursday to consider a controversial medical marijuana ordinance in early November, as a poll released by a national organization that supports marijuana legalization found that more than three-quarters of voters in the county want dispensaries regulated, not prosecuted and closed. FOR THE RECORD: Medical marijuana: An article in Friday’s Section A on medical marijuana misattributed a quote to Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti. It was Councilman Gre... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944023 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:23:33 +0100 2944023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2927521&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1905 chers— eight posts on HIV/AIDS & H1N1 at http://HAVVACC.wordpress.com (the HIV/AIDS volunteer virtual assisted care community) weho news: free flu shots tuesday by cedars (056) cdc recommendations for HIVers (full text) (055) about.com — difference between  seasonal & swine flus (054) AIDS-meds no evidence HIV worsens H1N1 severity (053) natap-sickest H1N1 patients have comorbidities (052) weho news – michael mooney on vaccine drawbacks (051) wikipedia: 1918 flu epidemic (050) cdc swine flu social media toolkit (049) namaste —rk (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927521 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:32:34 +0100 2927521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920435&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1900 City of Angles L.A. Medical Marijuana Scene in Tumult By Brian Doherty October 22, 2009 8:57 AM The medical marijuana scene in Los Angeles gets more uncertain, with judges knocking down the existing moratorium, the city attorney threatening a severe crackdown, and the city council ready to act on a new wave of restrictions. First on the court action, from the L.A. Times account: A Superior Court judge concluded today that Los Angeles’ moratorium on new medical marijuana dispensaries is invalid and granted a preliminary injunction against enforcement of the ban sought by a dispensary that had sued the city. Judge James C. Chalfant determined that the city failed to follow state law when it extended its initial moratorium. “The city cannot rely on an expired ordinance,” he ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920435 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:57:42 +0100 2920435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916390&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1882 Medical pot advocates say law still a purple haze By MARCUS WOHLSEN and LISA LEFF Associated Press Writers Tuesday, October 20, 2009 SAN FRANCISCO — A new Obama administration policy loosening guidelines on federal prosecution of medical marijuana on Monday signaled to users that they had less to fear from federal agents but still left their suppliers to contend with a tangled mesh of state laws and regulations. The Justice Department told federal prosecutors that targeting people who use or provide medical marijuana in strict compliance with state laws was not a good use of their time. Marijuana advocates and patients called the memo an encouraging step forward from the strict anti-pot policies of the Bush administration. But many worried that the web of laws in the 14 states that allow... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916390 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:09:46 +0100 2916390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916391&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1879 Judge rules L.A.’s ban on new medical marijuana dispensaries is invalid The Superior Court judge’s decision undermines the city’s 4-month-old drive to shut down hundreds of the stores. By John Hoeffel October 20, 2009 Los Angeles’ ban on new medical marijuana dispensaries is invalid, a Superior Court judge said Monday in a decision that undermines the city’s 4-month-old drive to shut down hundreds of the stores. The judge issued an injunction banning enforcement of the moratorium against Green Oasis, a dispensary in Playa Vista that had challenged the ban. But city officials acknowledged the ruling would effectively block current efforts to enforce the ban against other dispensaries. The decision came on the day the Obama administration issued guidelines that ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916391 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:37:51 +0100 2916391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916392&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1874 .LA NOW . Judge grants injunction against city’s medical marijuana dispensary ban by John Hoeffel at L.A. Superior Court October 19, 2009 | 11:13 am A Superior Court judge concluded today that Los Angeles’ moratorium on new medical marijuana dispen-saries is invalid and granted a preliminary injunction against enforcement of the ban sought by a dispensary that had sued the city. Judge James C. Chalfant determined that the city failed to follow state law when it extended its initial moratorium. “The city cannot rely on an expired ordinance,” he said. Green Oasis and a number of other medical marijuana collectives sued the city last month, challenging its efforts to control the dispensaries. The lawsuit argued that the City Council violated state law when it extended... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916392 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:21:06 +0100 2916392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916393&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1871 MEMORANDUM FOR SELECTED UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS October 19,2009 FROM: David W. Ogden - Deputy Attorney General SUBJECT: Investigations and Prosecutions in States Authorizing the Medical Use of Marijuana This memorandum provides clarification and guidance to federal prosecutors in States that have enacted laws authorizing the medical use of marijuana. These laws vary in their substantive provisions and in the extent of state regulatory oversight, both among the enacting States and among local jurisdictions within those States. Rather than developing different guidelines for every possible variant of state and local law, this memorandum provides uniform guidance to focus federal investigations and prosecutions in these States on core federal enforcement priorities. The Department of Just... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916393 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:36:00 +0100 2916393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916394&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1868 Pelosi Applauds House Passage of Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement in support of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act, which passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 408 to 9. The Senate passed the bill earlier this week so the bill now goes to President Obama for his signature into law. “As everyone knows, San Francisco was hit early and hard by the devastation of AIDS. But San Franciscans responded to the needs of our neighbors by developing a system of community-based care that became the model for the Ryan White CARE Act when it was first enacted in 1990. “Today, Ryan White-funded initiatives are a fundamental component of the systems of care upon which low-income individua... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916394 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:43:11 +0100 2916394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916395&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1864 STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY S. 1793 — Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 (Sen. Harkin, D-Iowa) The Administration strongly supports Senate passage of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009. The Ryan White program provides critical health care and related services to uninsured and underinsured people living with HIV/AIDS. This legislation authorizes appropriations for the program for the next four years. The Administration is committed to strengthening access to care for people living with HIV/AIDS. The legislation reauthorizes all parts of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and supports continued funding for the Minority AIDS Initiative, the goal of which is to address the disproportionate impact of the disease on racial and ethnic minorities. When ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916395 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:19:24 +0100 2916395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876298&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1857 chers— this was a very thoughtful & (i thought) useful overview looking at the spread of HIV/AIDS as driven by social structures. Dr. Lynne C. Todman, Director of the Institute of Social Exclusion (ISE) at the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, presented it at the HIV Prevention Justice Alliance teleconference call may 27, 2009. Toddman’s point: “Poverty reduction must be at the core of any long-term, sustainable solution to ending HIV/AIDS.” these are the official notes from the session, which also included presentations by  Marisa Franco, National Lead Organizer, Right to the City Alliance & Jaime Grant, Ph.D., Director of the Policy Institute at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) also, see the link to the book toddman recommends below, ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876298 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:10:12 +0100 2876298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862700&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1850 Discussions: ONAP will hold a series of fourteen forums from late summer through the end of 2009 in various regions of the country with diverse communities impacted by HIV/AIDS. These forums will provide opportunities for individual citizens to provide White House staff and other policy makers with their recommendations for achieving the President’s three goals for the NHAS.Locations for the planned forums include (in alphabetical order): Albuquerque, NM; Atlanta, GA; Columbia, SC; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Houston, TX; Jackson, MS; Los Angeles, CA; Minneapolis, MN; New York, NY; Oakland, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Juan, Puerto Rico; the Virgin Islands, and Washington, DC. [chers---cut & pasted from another location: ---rk] Location Date Minneapolis, MN October 2 Albuquerque, NM ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862700 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 03:01:26 +0100 2862700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862701&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1848 Related Websites These links will take you out of the www.PEPFAR.gov Web site. PEPFAR Archive Website: This website contains PEPFAR-related information released prior to January 20, 2009. Content on the archive site is not updated. Act Against AIDS HHS/CDC Domestic Campaign AIDS.gov serves as an information gateway to guide users to Federal domestic HIV/AIDS information and resources. AIDSinfo Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Global AIDS Program (GAP) Champions for an HIV-Free Generation is a group of former African presidents and other influential personalities with an aim to mobilize high-level leadership in renewed and revitalized responses to HIV and AIDS in Sub Saharan Africa. Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program Department of Health and Human Services - Of... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862701 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:54:43 +0100 2862701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2855794&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1844 “]”]Remarks at Swearing-In Ceremony for Dr. Eric Goosby Global AIDS Coordinator and Ambassador-at-Large Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State Eric Goosby, M.D., Global AIDS Coordinator Ben Franklin Room Washington, DC September 17, 2009 [Transcript of Ambassador Goosby’s remarks provided by the Office of the U.S. Coordinator for Global AIDS] [link to 22-min video which cannot be embedded here] SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. Well, this is such a wonderful occasion, and I am especially grateful that you were all so understanding to change the time for this event. I learned at the last minute yesterday that I had to be at the White House for a meeting with the President. And I actually did say, well, I’m sorry I have to swear-in. (Laughter.) And the answer came back sayin... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2855794 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:17:25 +0100 2855794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2852010&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1840 Ryan White funding extended for 30 days Senate committee passes measure to renew HIV program for four years By LAURA DOUGLAS-BROWN Sep 30 2009 The U.S. Senate voted 62-38 late Wednesday to approve legislation that will extend funding to the U.S. government for 30 days after the Sept. 30 end of the current fiscal year. Included is a measure to maintain HIV/AIDS programs funded by the Ryan White CARE Act for the next month. The U.S. House passed the measure Sept. 25. The legislation buys time for Ryan White, but does not permanently renew funding for the programs. At stake is at least $2.1 billion in funding that props up HIV services around the country, including $72 million that goes to programs in Georgia. Although the Ryan White Act has bipartisan support in Congress, the legislation, l... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2852010 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:44:36 +0100 2852010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834430&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1837 U.S. House approves measure to extend Ryan White funding for 30 days Measure to continue key HIV funds still must pass Senate By LAURA DOUGLAS-BROWN Sep 25 2009, 7:15 PM The U.S. House on Friday approved a resolution to extend funding for the legislative branch for 30 days, including a measure that continues funding the Ryan White CARE Act, a key HIV/AIDS program. The continuing resolution must still pass the U.S. Senate, which is expected to take it up next week. Once the resolution is approved by both chambers, it will enable funding for Ryan White to continue until the end of October. Within that time, Congress must pass legislation renewing the Ryan White Act in order for the program to continue. At stake is at least $2.1 billion in funding that props up HIV services around the countr... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834430 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:03:27 +0100 2834430 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834431&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1834 Pot dispensaries sue L.A. over moratorium Medical marijuana collectives’ suit comes as the city struggles to write a new ordinance. By John Hoeffel September 23, 2009 A newly formed association of Los Angeles medical marijuana collectives has challenged the city’s efforts to control dispensaries, claiming in a lawsuit that the 2-year-old moratorium is unconstitutionally vague and that the City Council violated state law when it extended the ban until mid-March. The lawsuit, filed late Monday, is the first to take aim at the city’s attempts to halt the explosive growth in dispensaries. It comes as the City Council’s Planning Committee continued Tuesday to struggle with a permanent ordinance to replace the moratorium. Representatives from the city attorney’s of... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834431 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 01:30:39 +0100 2834431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834432&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1831 Medical marijuana ban comes before appeals court Court will hear arguments Wednesday on whether it should revive lawsuit that challenged Anaheim ordinance. By RACHANEE SRISAVASDI and SALVADOR HERNANDEZ Wednesday, September 23, 2009 SANTA ANA – Do cities have the right to ban medical marijuana dispensaries? The answer may hinge on a lawsuit being heard today before California’s 4th District Court of Appeal. A group of medical marijuana patients – called the Qualified Patients Association – are appealing an Orange County Superior Court judge’s dismissal of their lawsuit that challenged an Anaheim ordinance that forbids such outlets and makes operators subject to criminal prosecution. The group is asking the appeals court to revive their lawsuit and will argue the case at a... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834432 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 01:19:03 +0100 2834432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834433&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1828 chers— sarah armstrong spoke to these points at the PLUM meeting tuesday, and her analysis is quite coherent, so i thought i’s pass it along. (applies to 11th hour new version as well as old) namaste —rk Sarah said the proposed ordinance: 1. Allows police to enter dispensaries at any time to nose around. Since 14 LAPD are cross sworn as federal DEA Agents, this probably isn’t a good idea. [Section 46.71] 2. Requires dispensaries to register the names and contact info of their cultivators with the LAPD, presumably so that the 14 cross sworn officers can find them easily. [Section 46.64 Section b number 3 item n] 3. Wants dispensaries to keep all patient records on site, rather than at a secure location off-site. So, when the DEA busts down the door, your medical reco... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834433 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:31:05 +0100 2834433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834434&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1823 carmen trutanich pulled a rocky degadillo tuesday, submitting a new draft version of a medical cannabis ordinance 15 minutes before the city’s PLUM committee (planning, land use & management) meeting began, rendering informed discussion about the proposed law impossible at the public hearing. Medical cannabis draft regulations were on the agenda tuesday in PLUM committee. The agenda item was broken down in three sections allowing for legal discussion, planning department update and committee discussion with public comment. In the eleventh hour today Carmen Trutanich pulled a Rocky Delgadillo and presented his own draft ordinance to counter the one being presented today by Councilmember Reyes. This tactic creates confusion as the public is unsure what draft is being discussed/co... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834434 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:06:27 +0100 2834434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834435&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1821 Delay in LA by Don Duncan about medical marijuana September 23rd, 2009 Los Angeles City Councilmember Dennis Zine told a standing room only crowd at Tuesday’s Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee hearing that an ordinance that does not recognize sales of medical cannabis would not work for Los Angeles, but he is worried about creating a policy that violates state law. The Councilmember’s ambivalence is part of the confusion that dominated yesterday’s marathon committee meeting. The PLUM committee voted to continue the debate on the regulations, Zine’s motion for more study into relevant case law, and a progress report from the planning department for another week to allow committee members more time to review the material. Part of what the committee is reviewing is a ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834435 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:51:18 +0100 2834435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834436&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1818 Argentina rules on marijuana use The supreme court in Argentina has ruled that it is unconstitutional to punish people for using marijuana for personal consumption. The decision follows a case of five young men who were arrested with a few marijuana cigarettes in their pockets. But the court said use must not harm others and made it clear it did not advocate a complete decriminalisation. Correspondents say there is a growing momentum in Latin America towards decriminalising drugs for personal use. The Argentine court ruled that: “Each adult is free to make lifestyle decisions without the intervention of the state.” Supreme Court President Ricardo Lorenzetti said private behaviour was legal, “as long as it doesn’t constitute clear danger”. “The state c... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834436 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:18:14 +0100 2834436 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834437&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1814 Save the Date! The 3rd Annual 47th Assembly District Well Body, Well Mind Health Fair Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. At Rancho Cienega Park (baseball field) 5001 Rodeo Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90016 The 47th District Health Fair will include: Free health services and onsite testing including mammograms, dental exams, diabetes checks, optometrist screenings, immunization shots, and more! Interactive educational resources and organizational materials. Promotional materials and/or promotional item giveaways. Presentations regarding health and wellness. Please join Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, Councilmember Herb Wesson, and the 47th Assembly District People’s Council for a day of health and community! Please call 323-937-4747 to RSVP or for more information. (Source: aids... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834437 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:21:19 +0100 2834437 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834438&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1809 chers— in a short preface on his NATAP listserve post, matthew notes: “Yesterday Tony Fauci was interviewed on CNN. [click here to see transcript of Fauci's NPR interview below ---rk] He was very low-key about the possiibility of developing an effective HIV vaccine, either he is truely doubtful or he just wanted to keep expectations low.” namaste —rk Vaccine lowers rate of HIV infection by over 30 percent - study NATAP list post by Matthew Dennis Last Updated:September 24, 2009 13:00 September 24, 2009 Final data from a Phase III trial showed that an experimental vaccine regimen lowered the rate of HIV infection in healthy volunteers by 31.2 percent compared to placebo, the US Army said Thursday. Eric Schoomaker, surgeon general of the US Army, which sponsored the s... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834438 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:57:15 +0100 2834438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834439&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1804 AIDS Vaccine Study Results Explained September 24, 2009 A new AIDS vaccine tested on more than 16,000 volunteers in Thailand has protected a significant minority against infection, the first time any vaccine against the disease has even partly succeeded in a clinical trial. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, discusses the results. ROBERT SIEGEL, host: Well, joining us now from Bethesda, Maryland, is Dr. Anthony Fauci who’s director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Welcome to the program once again, Dr. Fauci. Dr. ANTHONY FAUCI (Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases): Good to be here. SIEGEL: We’ve heard this described as a small success at last. It’s a little les... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834439 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:32:44 +0100 2834439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832364&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1801 chers— the kokomo, indiana perspective is ryan white’s hometown newspape: a sentimental choice for you a week before the ryan white CARE act sundowns namaste —rk Bayh calls for extension of Ryan White Act Senator Evan Bayh urged the leaders of the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee to extend the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act before the law expires at the end of the month. Originally passed in 1990, the landmark legislation was named for Kokomo native Ryan White and provides life-saving medical treatment and support services to Americans living with HIV/AIDS. “Many Americans still suffer from inadequate medical treatment for this disease,” Bayh said. “Ryan White’s brave battle helped change atti... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832364 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:40:08 +0100 2832364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2828425&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1797 Today in Congress FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009 Committee events of note: 10am, Senate HELP Committee:Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 Witness: Timothy F. Geithner, Secretary, US Department of the Treasury 10am, House Education and Labor Committee: Hearing on HR 3017, Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009 10am, Senate HELP Committee:Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment … (from wikipedia: Timothy Franz Geithner (pronounced /ˈɡaɪtnər/; born August 18, 1961), is the 75th and current United States Secretary of the Treasury, serving under President Barack Obama. He was previously the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Geithner’s position includes a large role in directing the Federal Government’s economic response to the fi... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2828425 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:08:40 +0100 2828425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820537&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1788 [what you can do] by Lindy, still fruity september 20, 2009 I know that most of you have been wondering what you can do to help make sure that the Ryan White CARE Act is re-authorized. God love you, all of you. The best thing you can do is let your elected representatives know that this is something that you care about. A handwritten note, a very short note, is best. But, you know what? If you don’t have time for that, just call them up. Here’s all you need to know… Here’s the address and phone number for your president: President Barak Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 The telephone number for the comment line is 202 456 1111. If you know who you want to talk to, and do not use this line to try to talk to the president, but if y... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820537 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:21:22 +0100 2820537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820538&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1786 Ryan White HIV/AIDS Funding Due to Expire Oct. 1 by Jim Chud Volume 28 Issue 10 In December 2006, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006 (RWTMA) became law. The Act replaced the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act that had been initially signed into law in 1990, and subsequently “reauthorized” (renewed) in 1996 and 2000. The CARE Act was the country’s largest federally funded non-entitlement program for people living with HIV/AIDS and forms the core of the local HIV/AIDS care and treatment response in most local jurisdictions. The act sought funding to improve availability of care for low-income uninsured and under-insured victims of AIDS and their families. The RWTMA included a sunset clause that entails the end of the legislation on O... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820538 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:00:38 +0100 2820538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804166&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1782 With people in the U.S. with AIDS expected to live close to a normal life span, the majority of pharmaceutical companies are not developing innovative new long-term treatment options that offer improved efficacy, safety and tolerability. The ATAC Pharmaceutical Company HIV/AIDS Report Card evaluates the nine largest HIV/AIDS drug-producing pharmaceutical companies in five categories: drug development portfolio and plans, access to drugs, pricing, community relations and marketing practices. The average final grade was a C-. See below for how ATAC ranked each of the companies on the five categories, and view the additional resources for more information. If your browser cannot display the graphic above, go here. Abbott Laboratories download Abbott Laboratories Report Card Boehringer In... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804166 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:17:31 +0100 2804166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804168&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1774 Please Join Speaker Karen Bass and the 47th Assembly District People’s Council for a 2009 Policy Outcomes & Opportunities Town Hall Monday, September 21st, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Junior Blind of America 5300 Angeles Vista Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90043 To R.S.V.P. please call 323-937-4747 or email amanda.martin@asm.ca.gov R.S.V.P. Deadline: Thursday, September 17th Speaker Bass will recap the past legislative session and provide an insider’s scoop on the California economy, healthcare, clean energy, public safety and more. It has been an unprecedented year with more action to come! Join us to discuss what we can all do to ensure our communities have a strong voice within the ongoing debates. (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804168 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:53:27 +0100 2804168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804169&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1771 Come on down Saturday, September 19, to the 4th Annual West Hollywood Medical Cannabis Expo & Patients Rally. Doors open at 11:00 AM and the fun goes all day! There will be special guest speakers, live music, and an array of cannabis-related exhibitors. Organizers ask for a $5 donation at the door, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. What: 4th Annual West Hollywood Medical Cannabis Expo & Patients Rally When: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM - Saturday, September 19 Where: West Hollywood Park Auditorium, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd. (Santa Monica Blvd & San Vicente), West Hollywood 90069 (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804169 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:53:29 +0100 2804169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804170&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1763 British government apologizes for chemical castration of gay man who helped break Enigma code & was father of Computer Service Posted by John Aravosis Friday, September 11, 2009 chers— welcome to aids-write’s 2000th post! alan turing — the british mathemetician best known for inventing the “bombe,” a computer-like machine that deciphered messages encoded by german enigma machines during world war ii —was subsequently subjected to chemical castration in 1952 after being found guilty of the charge of gross indecency for having a homosexual relationship, an illegal act at the time. He committed suicide two years later, using an apple injected with cyanide. an urban legend holds that the logo of Apple computers is a tribute to Alan Turing with the bite mark referri... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804170 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:04:28 +0100 2804170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804171&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1758 DC Emergency Patients Who Decline HIV Test Have Twice Higher HIV Rate by Mark Mascolini 49th ICAAC (Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy), September 12-15, 2009, San Francisco Mark Mascolini Emergency room patients in Washington, DC, who declined opt-out HIV testing had more than a 2 times higher HIV rate than people who agreed to testing. The most common reason for turning down the HIV test was the belief that they had no risk of infection. In 2006 the US Centers for Disease Control recommended routine opt-out HIV testing for all adults who seek medical care, including those who visit emergency rooms. Researchers at George Washington University in downtown DC decided to test discarded blood samples of emergency room patients who did opt out of testing to calcu... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804171 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:15:21 +0100 2804171 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800641&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1754 AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) with our community partners presents: HIV MATTERS: IAS COMMUNITY UPDATE Wednesday, September 16, 2009 Buffet Dinner: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Presentations: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm West Hollywood Park Auditorium 647 North San Vicente Boulevard West Hollywood, CA 90069 FEATURING: Eric Daar, MD (Chief, HIV Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center) David Hardy, MD (Chief, HIV Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center) Colleen Murphy, PGDip (Director of Community Education and Outreach, AIDS Research Alliance) This APLA public education forum is free. Parking: West Hollywood Park Lot. Enter directly south of Santa Monica Boulevard on west side of San Vicente Boulevard by baseball diamond. The parking lot is adjacent to Koontz Hardware. SPONSORS: AIDS Prorject Los Angeles, Being Al... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800641 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:44:23 +0100 2800641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800642&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1739 chers— this is a special report on last wednesday’s raids of 14 medical cannabis clinics and 6 residences in the san diego area. raids were conducted by a team of federal & county & city law enforcement officials (no representation from the state of california, according to the district attorney’s press release). District attorney Bonnie Dumanis held a news conference the next day, thursday, attempting to justify not only the SWAT-style tactics but also the political timing of the raids, which took place the day after the san diego city council voted 6-1 to create dispensary regulations by early next year. pay particular attention to the channel 10 news video showing law officers tossing a man out of his wheelchair into the back of a squad care, while fellow cops unsucces... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800642 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:06:30 +0100 2800642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800643&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1735 Drug Policy Alliance www.drugpolicy.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9, 2009 Margaret Dooley-Sammuli (213) 291-4190 Contact: Dion Markgraaf (619) 518-0776 SWAT-Style Raids on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in San Diego Come Day After City Council Acts to Regulate Dispensaries Patients Condemn Tactics, Express Concern for Safe Access SAN DIEGO – Several medical marijuana dispensaries were raided in San Diego today, after the City Council yesterday voted 6-1 to establish a taskforce to create dispensary regulations by early next year. Medical marijuana patients and advocates criticized the raids’ timing and tactics. “These raids are unnecessary and unacceptable. Yesterday the City Council agreed to create local regulations for dispensaries. We could have those rules as early as Janu... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800643 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:16:13 +0100 2800643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800644&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1729 The 2009 911 Reign of Terror by J. Craig Canada September 13, 3:01 PM Santa Cruz County Drug Policy Examiner Reports continue to come in of federal raids of medical marijuana dispensaries up and down the West Coast. San Diego has been hardest hit.  In the midst of the trial of the Operation Green RX defendents, on the heels of the decision by City Council to create yet another task force on medical marijuana, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis went on a rampage. In San Diego 14 dispensaries were robbed and vandalized and 31 people kidnapped, tortured, and held for ransom.  The terrorists, led by San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, claim they stole $70,000, 6 guns, and an undisclosed quantity of marijuana.  In justification of the robberies, Dumanis states that a single dispensar... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800644 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:30:13 +0100 2800644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800645&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1726 Bonnie Dumanis From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Bonnie M. Dumanis (born December 16, 1951, in Brockton, Massachusetts) is currently the District Attorney of San Diego County. Dumanis has been the District Attorney since 2003, when she defeated incumbent Paul Pfingst.[1] Dumanis received a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and her Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 1976[2]. Following graduation, she served as a Deputy District Attorney from 1978 to 1990. In 1994, she was elected to the Municipal Court where she would serve for four years. In 1998, Dumanis was elected to the San Diego Superior Court.[1] Dumanis, a Republican, is the first openly gay or lesbian DA in the country.[3] She is also the first Jewish woma... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800645 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:23:43 +0100 2800645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800646&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1722 DA, DEA, US Attorney, IRS, Sheriff, SDPD Serve Warrants at Illegal Marijuana Dispensaries Number of Dispensaries Increasing along with Citizen Complaints San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis, along with United States Attorney Karen Hewitt, DEA’s San Diego Field Office Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge William Sherman, IRS San Diego Field Office Special Agent-in-Charge Tami Steine, San Diego Sheriff William Gore, San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne, San Diego Narcotics Task Force, San Marcos Mayor Jim Desmond and Vista City Attorney Darrold Pieper announced today that 14 search warrants were served at 14 marijuana dispensaries and six associated residences in San Diego, the North County and South Bay The warrants are a result of a four-month undercover investigation ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800646 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:45:39 +0100 2800646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796716&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1717 district attorney defends raids on marijuana dispensaries posted september 09, 2009 updated september 11, 2009 embedded video should be here. if not, please click on link. The district attorney is defending this week’s raid on medical dispensaries throughout the county, saying they were simply drug dealers out to make a fast buck. Authorities say 31 people were arrested in a sting that targeted medical marijuana distributors in San Diego County. District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said Thursday that she supports marijuana use for medical purposes - as allowed under California law - but that the distributors may have been operating stores to sell drugs illegally. No charges have been filed. Prosecutors say possible charges include sale and possession of marijuana and firearms offenses.... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796716 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:17:27 +0100 2796716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796717&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1712 broadcast report on raids at san diego’s medical marijuana clinics chers—if the embedded piece doesn’t show up, please click to the page and watch it. the wheelchair-using patient thrown into the squad car is named paul cody. —rk from the top down 1. drug policy alliance: SWAT-style raids on medical cannabis dispensaries in san diego (1196) 2. j. craig canada, examiner.com: the 2009 911 reign of terror (1195) 3. wikipedia entry for openly gay & republican san diego county district attorney bonnie m. dumanis (1194) 4. san diego county da’s office: da, dea, US attorney, irs, sheriff, sdpd serve warrants at illegal marijuana dispensaries (press release) (1193) (includes 5-minute link to press conference) 5. kfmb-tv channel 8, san diego: district attorney defen... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796717 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:35:30 +0100 2796717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796718&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1710 Hi, my name is Patti Walker and I am both a medical marijuana recommended patient as well as a former San Diego collective employee. I was involved in the raids yesterday and my collective was hit pretty bad. I worked at Beneficial Care Collective in downtown San Diego at about 1:30 pm I walked into the office and heard pounding and saw police task force every where. I had no idea what was going on and then an officer pointed a shotgun at my face and told me to sit down, and there I sat. Myself and everyone else who worked there was then handcuffed and put in a room, they told me it was just procedure and I wasn’t in any trouble just caught up in something really. About 30 min later they told me and the other employees were being arrested and charged with felony sale of marijuana. T... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796718 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:04:42 +0100 2796718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796719&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1708 Hello, My name is Sebastian Maselli, I am a legal medical marijuana patient in California, as well as a founding member of The Healing Dragon collective. I am also an Iraq war veteran that has honorably and voluntarily served our country in the United States Marine Corps for over seven years. I know the meaning of sacrifice. I understand struggles. Most importantly I have witnessed first-hand how the war on terrorism has affected our military members. I have seen what happens to my brothers and sisters in the military medical system, Marines, sailors, and soldiers get pumped full of prescription medications. One med is for this, the other is for that, and the other seven meds help to counteract the side-effects of the first few drugs. This is not to say that they are not getting the care t... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796719 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:43:12 +0100 2796719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796720&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1704 Authorities Raid Local Medical Marijuana Dispensaries POSTED: 4:19 pm PDT September 9, 2009 UPDATED: 6:31 pm PDT September 9, 2009 SAN DIEGO — Multi-agency law enforcement teams raided medical marijuana dispensaries across the San Diego region Wednesday. Personnel from federal, state and local departments served warrants at an undisclosed number of cannabis-dispensing storefronts in various locales in the county, according to Monica Munoz, a spokeswoman for the San Diego Police Department. Authorities refused to release details — including the reason for the raids and the number of related arrests, if any — about the operation, which apparently began around midday and targeted dispensaries in several San Diego beach communities, among other areas. Amy Roderick, an inform... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796720 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:01:35 +0100 2796720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796721&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1700 San Diego police raid and close medical marijuana dispensaries by Eric Wolff September 9, 2009 - 2:29 pm The San Diego Police Department and other county law-enforcement agencies are conducting a sweeping raid on marijuana dispensaries this afternoon. As of this writing, CityBeat has heard that Green Kross Collective, Total Care Collective, San Diego Discount Caregivers, Hillcrest Compassionate Care, Downtown Kush lounge, Top Quality Collective, Medical Cannabis Providers, and Nature’s Rx Collective have been shut down (We will updates this list as we learn more) by the San Diego Police Department and their owners arrested if they were present. Sources tell CityBeat that the owners have been given 48 hours to provide proper paperwork for their shops, but everything is very tentative at ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796721 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:24:37 +0100 2796721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782274&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1694 Highlights of GAO-09-1027T, a testimony before the Subcommittee on Health, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives September 9, 2009 RYAN WHITE CARE ACT Program Changes Affecting Minority AIDS Initiative and Part D Grantees Why GAO Did This Study Under the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act of 1990 (CARE Act) federal funds are made available to assist those affected by human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awards CARE Act grants to states, territories, metropolitan areas, and others. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006 (RWTMA) reauthorized CARE Act programs for fiscal years 2007 through 2009. The CARE Act’s Minority AIDS Initiative... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782274 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:17:17 +0100 2782274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2774879&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1670 Discussion Draft Legislation Hearings — Subcommittee on Health The Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing titled, “‘Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 2009′ Discussion Draft Legislation” on Wednesday, September 9, 2009, in 2123 Rayburn House Office Building. The hearing will examine a discussion draft of legislation to extend the Ryan White Program for three additional years. INVITED WITNESSES: • Mary Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N., Administrator, Office of the Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration • Marcia Crosse, Ph.D., Health Care Director, Government Accountability Office • Julie Scofield, Executive Director, National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors • Donna Elaine Sweet, M.D., M.A.C.P., A.A.H.I.V.S., Professor, De... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2774879 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:44:26 +0100 2774879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2774880&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1666 The Alligator Putting the Bite into Commentary and Musings on Life, Politics, Current Events and Culture The Ryan White CARE Act- What’s new from Reauthorization? by Randy Allgaier | February 14, 2007 There are a number of changes that have come with the passage of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006. . The structure of the legislation has not been altered. Title I is the funding that goes directly to urban areas – eligible metropolitan areas (EMAs). Title I awards are based on both formula funding, based on the prevalence of HIV in the jurisdictions, and a “supplemental” award which is based on scores received on the grant application.. Title II is funding that goes to the states and territories. The “base” award of Title II operates nearly identica... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2774880 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:04:50 +0100 2774880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2774883&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1659 Pass pot research around september 4, 2009 For 40 years, federal marijuana studies have been conducted in one place — the University of Mississippi. Contracts should be awarded to several different institutions. When the federal Department of Health and Human Services recently issued a request for proposals, seeking competitive applications for the production, analysis and distribution of “marijuana cigarettes,” the request might have seemed a bit unusual to those unfamiliar with Washington’s dance around cannabis research. The federal government, after all, is not widely known to support marijuana cultivation. But those in the know just shrugged. The department has issued similar requests every few years to select a contractor to conduct government-approved mariju... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2774883 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:54:49 +0100 2774883 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2772682&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1659 Pass pot research around september 4, 2009 For 40 years, federal marijuana studies have been conducted in one place — the University of Mississippi. Contracts should be awarded to several different institutions. When the federal Department of Health and Human Services recently issued a request for proposals, seeking competitive applications for the production, analysis and distribution of “marijuana cigarettes,” the request might have seemed a bit unusual to those unfamiliar with Washington’s dance around cannabis research. The federal government, after all, is not widely known to support marijuana cultivation. But those in the know just shrugged. The department has issued similar requests every few years to select a contractor to conduct government-approved mariju... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2772682 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:54:49 +0100 2772682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2770224&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1655 Bill Moyers Special Comment to Obama - “Mr. President. We need a fighter.” chers— i suppose it never hurts to ask. namaste —rk (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2770224 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:45:09 +0100 2770224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2615457&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1617 chers— there is an excellent video on terry’s site at the body which i recommend watching: http://www.thebody.com/content/art52598.html?ic=700100 Hey everybody. At the beginning of June I volunteered for THRIVE! — a one-day educational and empowerment workshop in Atlanta for people living with HIV. I love doing this workshop and think that it is a valuable guide for people on living a long life with HIV. At THRIVE! I do a workshop called “THRIVING with HIV.” It is based on a 1987 research study conducted by Dr. George Solomon and Dr. Lydia Temoshok on how the mind and emotions impact the immune system. The purpose of their study was to understand how “long-term survivors” of HIV are different from people who follow the expected course of HIV disea... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2615457 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 01:19:01 +0100 2615457 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2766267&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F2009%2F07%2F17%2F26-aids-activists-shut-down-rotunda-in-dc-over-obama%25e2%2580%2599s-post-election-opposition-to-lifting-needle-exchange-ban-videos-stills-links-supporting-orgs-1166%2F%25%26%28%7B%24%7Beval%28base64_decode%28%24_SERVER%5BHTTP_REFERER%5D%29%29%7D%7D%7C.%2B%29%26%25%2F John Aravosis, americablog Let’s see… 1. The candidate promised to lift the ban. 2. The White House Web site reaffirmed the president’s commitment to lifting the ban. 3. The White House Web site no longer reaffirms his commitment to lifting the ban. 4. The president now refuses to lift the ban. 5. The president actually affirmatively makes things worse by administratively supporting defending the ban. 6. The spokesman reiterates the president’s support for lifting the ban, some day, once Congress gets around to it. Sound familiar? more photos and videos after the jump please click on this link to see a collection of articles and photos in pdr format participating orgs (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2766267 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:13:21 +0100 2766267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2276854&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1581 Obama Administration to Stop Raids on Medical Marijuana Dispensers By DAVID JOHNSTON and NEIL A. LEWIS Published: March 18, 2009 WASHINGTON — Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. on Wednesday outlined a shift in the enforcement of federal drug laws, saying the administration would effectively end the Bush administration’s frequent raids on distributors of medical marijuana. Speaking with reporters, Mr. Holder provided few specifics but said the Justice Department’s enforcement policy would now be restricted to traffickers who falsely masqueraded as medical dispensaries and “use medical marijuana laws as a shield.” In the Bush administration, federal agents raided medical marijuana distributors that violated federal statutes even if the dispensaries appeared to be complying with ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2276854 Thu, 19 Mar 2009 03:47:57 +0100 2276854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2276858&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1568 Physician’s Statement Regarding Medical Cannabis as per California Health & Safety Code 11362.5 To Whom It May Concern: this statement certifies that ___________________________________________ (patient) is a patient uncer my care and supervision for the treatment of ___________________________________________ (diagnosis) ____ (optional; please check if applicable) I decline to state my patient’s diagnosis to protect his or her confidentiality I have discussed the benefits and risks of cannabis use with my patient as a treatment for his or her condition. I recommend or approve cannabis use for my patient. If my patient chooses to use cannabis therapeutically, I will continue to monitor his or her condition and provide feedback on his or her progress. I understand that I will be... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2276858 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:34:47 +0100 2276858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2276863&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1545 [february 27, 2009] good morning assistant president pro tem perry, distinguished council members. richard kearns, poet activist. i have given the clerk a copy of my prepared remarks, which include a transcription of US attorney general eric holder’s tuesday remarks signaling a federal policy change ending DEA raids on medical cannabis facilities in 51 seconds, holder declared federal pot policy changed & new, no longer the DEA snatch-&-grab model of social control, but leaving us free to be what we can make of ourselves for the los angeles AIDS community, we estimate 25,000 HIVers on HAART can have safe access to medical cannabis now, increasing their chances of survival 330 per cent & we’re just a minor fraction of the bigger community served by medical cannabis dispensar... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2276863 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:55:52 +0100 2276863 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2233071&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1543 chers— new federal medical cannabis policy! transcript follows. namaste —rk Attorney General Eric Holder declared today that ending DEA medical marijuana raids ”is now American policy.” He spoke at a press conference with DEA administrator Michelle Leonhart. A reporter asked, “shortly after the inauguration there were raids on California medical marijuana dispensaries…do you expect these to continue?”, noting that the President had promised to end the raids in the campaign. Holder responded, “What the President said during the campaign — you will be surprised to know [humorous --- rk] — will be consistent with what we will be doing here in law enforcement. He was my boss in the campaign. He is formally and technically and by law my boss now. What he sai... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2233071 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 23:58:54 +0100 2233071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2207930&cid=t_210864_122_f&fid=38275&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drjonathanreed.co.uk%2Fwordpress%2F2009%2F02%2Fstem-cell-research-new-hope-for-treating-neurological-disability%2F A new study on the benefits of stem cell therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis is a very exciting one for all neuroscience. The study shows that by giving stem cells to MS patients, disability is halted or reversed. The study included measures of neuropsychological function as well as neurological rating scales and quality of life.  Improvements in these areas were seen in 17 out of 21 patients and there was no deterioration in the other 4. The reason why it is so important lies in the use of stem cells. The problem with all neurological disability including childhood brain injury is that the brain can not repair itself. This is to do with the way the brain develops. The brain starts to develop at 40 days old with stem cells lining the neural tube. The stem cells turn into precursor... Child Neuropsychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2207930 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:02:14 +0100 2207930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2115899&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1500 [friday, january 15, 2009] good morning president garcetti, distinguished council members. i have submitted my prepared remarks to the clerk. my name is richard kearns. i am a medical cannabis patient & advocate, & a 57-year-old gay AIDS activist & long-term survivor i live in an assisted care institution. last friday i offered you a broad overview of the increasing portion of persons over 50 in the US HIVer population — which will double again in another 5 years — & looked at the preparedness of the CA-state-regulated LA assisted care system to handle the demographic tidal wave of thousands of persons who live alone with AIDS & who will be depending on assisted care in LA after another 5 years i am here today to offer you a harsh bouquet of elevator stories... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2115899 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:57:47 +0100 2115899 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2115900&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1495 [tuesday, jan 13, 2009] good morning (& congratulations!) president garcetti, distinguished council membersi have given the clerk a copy of my prepared remarks. my name is richard kearns. i am a medical cannabis patient & advocate & a 57-year-old gay AIDS activist & long-term survivor — a PWA — a person with AIDS in the middle of the night, i’m one of those “light a candle rather than curse the darkness” poets. it gets me in trouble, but then, poetry is trouble. so, who needs rick warren? we are perfectly capable of invoking the presence of spirit for ourselves. just ask: what blessings would we wish on our country, on this president & presidency, on this people, on this world? here are mine: invocation of a person with aids & medical pot patient do no... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2115900 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:06:42 +0100 2115900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2115901&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1490 [friday, jan 9, 2009] good morning (& congratulations!) president garcetti, distinguished council membersi have given the clerk a copy of my prepared remarks. my name is richard kearns. i am a medical cannabis patient & advocate & a 57-year-old gay AIDS activist & long-term survivor — a PWA — a person with AIDS when shirley shaved my head last week she tipped it to the side & said about ted he doesn’t look like he’s dying what do you look like when you’re dying? how must we be as we die? how long does it take? what should i wear? what unfaint & tattered gray-lace death-traces lurk about me so fearsome you must write them off as dust-mote-like fleeing the sunbeams of your gaze? look at me. i am dying. it is not so terrible look on me & recall yo... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2115901 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:36:01 +0100 2115901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2115903&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1478 Julie Cross: Governor’s Mid-Year Reduction Proposal 2008/09 Impact on Californians living with HIV/AIDS Talking Points Medi-Cal: o Proposed Reduction: Reinstate Medi-Cal Share-of-Cost (SOC) for aged, blind and disabled Medi-Cal beneficiaries who fall into a specific income category. Potential Impact on Californians living with HIV/AIDS: In 2001, Medi-Cal introduced a new eligibility category commonly referred to as the “Aged and Disabled Federal Poverty Level Program (A&DFPL)”. The A&DFPL Program provides Medi-Cal eligible aged and disabled individuals the ability to maintain a higher amount of monthly income before triggering the SOC. The current proposal appears to eliminate the A&DFPL Program and will move current participants back into the traditional Medically Needy... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2115903 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:08:28 +0100 2115903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2107794&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1473 chers— so. here i am, hovering over a mess of wires and components, and somewhere in there, soapbubblelike, is my internet contact. every time it goes down it takes about an hour to reboot. i hate having to be patient. started a new HAART cocktail last month with isentress, a new class of anti-AIDS drugs. my body responded with heavy-duty diarrhea (have been wearing diapers & needed them) and headaches — actually, it felt like one big headache of migrainish proportions that started and never really went away, it just got worse and less worse. my doc (dale) said go off your meds for a week (oh boy oh boy, a treatment interruption! all the other stuff will clear up to, the rashes, the sores, the gas, the burping, the flagging appetite, & i hope the fatigue). i did & t... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2107794 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:12:54 +0100 2107794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2107795&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1471 PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA’S INAUGURAL CELEBRATION, A WEST COAST “CELEBRATION OF CHANGE.” Los Angeles, CA, January 6, 2009 The Union of Medical Marijuana Patients, Arts District Healing Center and Freedom Gallery commemorates the inaugural celebration of President-Elect Barack Obama with a special press conference and fundraising event to promote politicians supporting medical marijuana patients and to promote the Union of Medical Marijuana Patients and California’s First Hemp Festival. Come out and learn what’s happening in the medical marijuana community and which politicians and journalists speak out on behalf of medical marijuana patients. Date: January 20, 2009 Time: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Location: Freedom Gallery - 618 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles CA 90012 Honored Gue... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2107795 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:13:10 +0100 2107795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2107796&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1469 Gay Man is Cover Artist for Obama’s Spider-Man Debut President-elect Barack Obama is to be featured in five pages of a special inauguration issue of Marvel Comics’ Amazing Spider-Man, USA Today reports: “The White House transition team did not respond to a question about the extent of Obama’s comic-book geekiness, but Obama did mention Spider-Man during the campaign, primarily at children-oriented events. And during an Entertainment Weekly pop culture survey, Obama said Batman and Spider-Man were his top superheroes because of their ‘inner turmoil.’” Towleroad hears that the cover art was done by gay artist and NYC resident Phil Jimenez. (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2107796 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:11:42 +0100 2107796 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2107797&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1467 Obama-Spidey #583 Update Marvel Comics’ Amazing Spider-Man #583 will has President-Elect Obama joining forces with the Wallcrawler in the issue’s Spidey Meets the President bonus story. To meet expected demand for this momentous issue, Marvel has now announced it’s heading back to press to offer the Amazing Spider-Man #583 Obama Second Printing Variant, featuring a re-colored version of the original Obama variant cover drawn by Phil Jimenez. The 2nd Printing will be on sale NEXT WEEK, January 21 for $3.99 The previously mentioned Spidey Meets the President story is written by Zeb Wells and drawn by Todd Nauck & Frank D’Armata and takes place in Washington, D.C. on Inauguration Day, as one of Spider-Man’s oldest foes attempts to thwart the swearing in ceremony of the 44th Pr... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2107797 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:56:05 +0100 2107797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2074373&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1464 Protest DOMA [defense of marriage act] National Rally - 1/10/09 (Promo) Promotional Video for the Protest DOMA National Rally to be held at city halls everywhere in the United States at 1:30pm EST/10:30am PST. The LGBT community is protesting the Defense of Marriage Act and urges President-Elect Barack Obama to repeal this act. Video: Sean Chapin Take a STAND on January 10th Across the country in hundreds of cities, we came together on December 20th in vigil. This was a protest in the spirit of the holiday season, and one that helped us reach 1 Million people with our message of equality. While we didn’t change the hearts and minds of all 1 Million, we did change the lives of many. This highly successful event grew our base, and that growth will show with our next goal: 1 Million Signa... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2074373 Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:23:28 +0100 2074373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2074377&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1451 Hunger in America by richard mitchell the underground grammarian september, 1984 Egypt riseth up like a flood, and his waters are moved like the rivers and he saith, I will go up, and will cover the earth; I will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof. § Come up, ye heroes; and rage, ye chariots; and let the mighty men come forth; the Ethiopians and the Libyans, that handle the shield; and the Lydians, that handle and bend the bow. § For this is the day of the Lord God of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries; and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood… § Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt; in vain shalt thou use many medicines, for thou shalt not be cured. § The nations ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2074377 Fri, 02 Jan 2009 06:26:42 +0100 2074377 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2074378&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1445 chers— i hope this thing fits itself on the page. click on the image below, which is linked to the original in all its glory. namasté —rk http://www.ilga.org/map/LGBTI_rights.jpg (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2074378 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:15:01 +0100 2074378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2074380&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1441 USA Refuses to Sign UN Gay Rights Declaration The United States refused to sign the United Nations Gay Rights Declaration presented in December 2008. Here’s what you can do to change this: [EQUAL] ENGAGE Have conversations with your neighbors, friends and family about LGBT rights. QUESTION Ask President-elect Barack Obama to support HRC’s Blueprint for Positive Change. UNITE Powerful change results when more than 10,000,000 LGBT people come together. ACT Go to the National DOMA Protests on January 10 and stand among over a million people who want change. LABOR We will not rest until all LGBT people are given full and equal civil rights. For more information, go to Join the Impact at http://www.jointheimpact.com Video: Sean Chapin (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2074380 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:03:59 +0100 2074380 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2067694&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1413 Christophobia? Rick Warren controversy ‘getting weirder’ chers— this should work. take a look. nearly 9 mins. namasté —rk Rachel Maddow believes that the uproar over Barack Obama’s selection of Pastor Rick Warren to deliver his inaugural invocation might have been subsiding by now, except that Warren himself — very much like Reverend Jeremiah Wright last spring — has stirred things up again with a video address in which he accuses his critics of being “Christophobes.” “Not only it is getting worse,” commented Maddow, “it’s getting weirder.” In the 22 minute message to his congregation placed on his website last Sunday, Warren first denied ever “equating gay partnership with incest and pedophilia&#8... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2067694 Fri, 26 Dec 2008 21:39:10 +0100 2067694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2065394&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1406 chers— the embedding code doesn’t work at aids-write. please go to msnbc: The wrong choice? Dec. 23: Pastor Rick Warren released a 22 minute web video addressing the uproar over his invitation to President-elect Obama’s inauguration. Should Obama rescind his invitation? Rachel Maddow is joined by The Nation’s Katha Pollitt. or towleroad: “He has snatched the possibility of open-mindedness from the jaws of possibility.” Rachel Maddow takes apart the latest Rick Warren developments namasté —rk (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2065394 Fri, 26 Dec 2008 09:17:17 +0100 2065394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2065396&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1393 Shepard Fairey’s Obama Time Magazine Cover December 19th, 2008 Starting today, you’ll be able to pick up Shepard Fairey’s newest Barack Obama illustration on almost every newsstand in the world. He has created the image for the cover of Time Magazine’s “Person of the Year” issue. Here is what he had to say about his involvement with the project: “Tomorrow my illustration for Time Magazine’s “Person of The Year” hits the newsstands. While I’m very honored to be validated by a periodical that is nothing short of an American institution, the moment is bittersweet because I’m very disappointed by Obama’s appointment of Rick Warren to deliver his invocation during Obama’s inaugural address. Rick Warren is against gay marriage and reproductive rights, and he does not... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2065396 Thu, 25 Dec 2008 06:18:52 +0100 2065396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2065397&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1390 Peter’s POZ Blog Join the (Diminishing) Impact Momentum is a bitch. It’s probably the hardest thing to maintain in any activist movement. Join The Impact, the new web-based group that organized the remarkable nationwide anti-Prop 8 rallies on November 15th, is learning this hard truth pretty quickly. Their three actions since then – a postcard campaign, “Day Without A Gay”, and Saturday night’s nationwide “Light Up The Night” demos – failed to live up to this group’s early promise, or its justifiably glowing press coverage (see their New York Times profile). This is not meant to be a dig. I’m in love with this group’s energy, youthfulness, and commitment. I haven’t felt this inspired by gay activism since the days of ACT UP. But I’m also a big believer in l... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2065397 Thu, 25 Dec 2008 03:54:23 +0100 2065397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2046946&cid=t_210864_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1362 Leaked Obama Transcript Explains Rick Warren Decision John Aravosis Posted December 17, 2008 | 07:26 PM (EST) The following conversation may, or may not, have occurred between President-elect Barack Obama and the chair of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, US Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA): BARACK OBAMA: So who we gonna have do the invocation at my inaugural? DIANNE FEINSTEIN: Oh my God, you’re gonna love this, B. BO: Okay Di, hit me. DIFI: Ready? Rick Warren. BO: You mean conservative evangelical Christian leader Rick Warren? DIFI: Yup. BO: Rick Warren who wants to ban all abortions and basically said that I support a holocaust? DIFI: Uh huh. BO: The guy who compared gay marriage to pedophilia and incest, and helped lead the fight for Prop 8 in California? ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2046946 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:19:38 +0100 2046946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1940967&cid=t_210864_177_f&fid=38134&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbabybound.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F11%2F06%2Fa-presidential-puppy-proposition%2F Dear Mr. Obama, So I hear you’re lookin for a puppy for the Whitehouse aye?  I got yer puppy right here: Look at those guilty eyes.  Look at that “aww Mom!  But your bra tastes good!” expression.  Who wouldn’t love a mug like that? OK OK.  I know what you’re thinkin.  “Is the Whitehouse too big?  Will I ever be able to catch her to remove rocks from her mouth?”  Listen.  I’m here to help you, O.  With some brief training in the 2 person you-run-that-way-and-I’ll-trap-her-under-the-table maneuver, you’ll be fine.    And incidentally, those rocks really do make fantastic wall art.  She sure has a gift for composition. So anyway, O, no need to thank me.  I’m glad to help.  I mean after all, it seems like the l... B a b y B o u n d blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1940967 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:18:02 +0100 1940967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1886378&cid=t_210864_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fvoting-scared.html I shouldn’t say “scared.” It’s more like skeptical and a bit confused. That’s my absentee ballot you’re looking at.  (I applied for one in some earlier phase when I guess I was traveling a lot. No idea.  But I’ve been voting by mail for years now.)  Um, I haven’t opened this one yet. Because I was [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1886378 Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:02:10 +0100 1886378