Well, I'm pissed

[airbornflght]

Last night one of my friends turned 19 and another 20. So they invited me over to help celebrate. Thats where the deal turns sour. I didn't get there till late (see 11:30) I walk down the stairs and turn into his apartment and there are 3 cops in the living room of the small apartment. I tried to act like that wasn't where I was going but that didn't work. The cop told me to come inside and all that crap. apparently there was weed and alcohol at the party. Anyway. The cops were kinda cool about it considering the circumstances. We were talking to them about the games we were playing on our mini lan we had set up (6 computers in a little bitty apartment) So my friend that rents the apartment took the fall for all of us and said none of us touched the alcohol or weed, but we all still got tickets for 'visiting a disorderly house'. aka $244 out of my pocket. But jason is probably screwed seven ways to sunday. There was so much alcohol and marijuana in that apartment and only two people were over 21. so that means my city made about two grand off of us last night. The stupid thing is though, 5 of us just walked in the door and got roped into it. Oh well. at least its a municipal court ticket. 'the court of no records' The probably could have wrote us all a minor in possession and possession of marijuana ticket on top of that other ticket, and that would have really ****ed me over.

[Thrax]

Pro tip: Find new friends.

[Cyclonite]

Pro tip: Find new friends.

Seconded.

[pigflipper]

Pro tip: Find new friends.

I third that...

I mean, its not hard to get away with smoking and drinking, so it takes a special kind of stupid to get caught.

[airbornflght]

Well, I think I know how they got caught. You could smell the pot outside in the hallway when you walked in the door...

[RWB]

"Pro tip" huh? I take it your a "pro" with these kind of situations or something then?

Airborne, you don't need new friends.... I'm sure you're more pissed for getting in trouble and not actually having done anything... "yet". I don't know if you smoke or not, or even if you drink, or if you knew there would be drugs and booze; but if you feel your friends are pressuring you, or that they might get you into further trouble then yeah I'd say get new friends despite the one guy taking the heat.

We could debate moral bullshit till the cows come home; fact is it's illegal to smoke the ganja, and it's illegal to drink at your age. I'm not sure if you knew there'd be either at this party, but..... I'd bet you had a good guess, and that's part of the cops reasoning for giving you a ticket.

Believe me, I can totally relate... if not more-so with my temper. Getting busted makes you wanna hate on someone else, and I don't know if your mad at the cops, yourself, or your friend; you just wanna vent and hope someone else pats you on the back, not gonna happen.... not around these parts as you can see from previous posts.

[airbornflght]

Yeh, my friends don't pressure me to do anything I don't want to. I've known most of these guys for 3 years or so. We're basically brothers in arms so to speak. And I have so much respect for what jason did last night. He could have distributed the heat among us all and try to lessen it on him but he didn't. I don't know many people that would take the fall and not rat out everyone else in sight. I'm more mad at myself in a way. When I pulled up with friends I noticed that there were like 4 cop cars in the lot, which normally there is only one because a cop lives on the 2nd floor. I was even complaining on how one took my parking spot. I found out why there were cops there. I should've drawn some inferences.

[Jengo]

"pro" tip? as in Professional? Who would have knew we had a "pro" here?!

abf, i know how you feel. But even though i really hate the drinking/smoking weed laws it is still illegal for you to do those things, I mean I dont see anything terribly whack about that whole situation. But just like RWB said, we could talk morals until the cows come home.

It was pretty cool of your friend to take the heat though, thats not something you would expect anyone to do.

[muddocktor]

You were lucky enough to have a friend that is actually a man and stepped up to take the heat. And yeah, it sucks that you got popped for $200+ bucks but it could have been much worse. Your buddies really need to move out of an apartment complex if they want to have lan parties and burn the ganga and rent a house, man. And while I think that the drinking law sucks for you youngsters (you can go die for your country but you can't buy an effing drink) and that weed needs to be decriminalized, both are against the law so you need to be a little bit discreet.

[airbornflght]

I don't even see how the cops got called. I talked to jason about an hour ago and the good news is that he is back home (after spending a night in jail) He paid over a thousand dollars in fines but that is it. Everything was municipal so he won't have a record to follow him around. He did say that he is done for quite a while. Because he makes about a grand a month. And he said he feels so bad that we all got tickets. The stupid thing is he only got a ticket for possession of marijuana and not the alcohol.

The thing he is mad about is that he was stupid enough to leave the apartment without him or his roomie there, and while we were gone someone opened the door to the cops and they accepted that as an invitation to come in. He said the cops told him it was a noise complaint, but about 4 of them were watching tv and the other 5 were playing battlefield 2142 with headphones on before we left to go get some food from carls, and his roomies gf was sleeping in the back bedroom. We couldn't figure out how it was being loud but whatever, he just told me its alright. The cops got less than 1/2 ounce of ganja (most of it was ash) so I guess that's why they didn't pursue it very much. Its just a good thing there were a couple people over 21 otherwise we would have all had mip's most likely. But even then, 12 glasses of punch for 12 people. I think the cops were being extremely cool about it. They were fairly young and even asking us what games we were playing and let us keep playing till their supervisor got there.

Then my friend said when everyone else was at home with their tickets the supervisor guy said he could make a call to a guy and get him a job on the narcotics unit and make everything go away. He didn't accept the offer.

I feel worse about the situation, because jason lost over a months money. I lost about 3 days. Plus his room mate and room mates gf both got $544 tickets (they had pot too) so he's gonna be really tight for a while. I told him if he needed any help to just call me. I would have sworn that the assistant manager at blockbuster would pay more than a grand a month. How could anyone live on that with a family?

[Nomad]

Because he makes about a grand a month.

Wow, strong future.

[airbornflght]

He's in college.

[Nomad]

He's in college.

Wow, strong possibly dealing marijuana.

[airbornflght]

dude, I'm not even going to get into it. But I would urge you to refrain from prejudging people based upon one fact from their lifestyle. This kid is really smart, and another jason I know who graduated valedictorian smoked a lot. Chances are some people you know or respect may do some things which you may detest. But yes, I think he has a very strong future. If I had my own company or were in the position to I would hire him in a heartbeat. He is very smart and a very fast learner, not to mention a likable guy. I haven't seen a person that he hasn't gotten along with yet. I hate how one little thing has such a negative stigma attached to it. When in reality I see it no different as tobacco or alcohol. In fact, I believe the effects of use are use than those of alcohol. Just my .02, but this isn't the place for this.

[Jengo]

dude, I'm not even going to get into it. But I would urge you to refrain from prejudging people based upon one fact from their lifestyle. This kid is really smart, and another jason I know who graduated valedictorian smoked a lot. Chances are some people you know or respect may do some things which you may detest. But yes, I think he has a very strong future. If I had my own company or were in the position to I would hire him in a heartbeat. He is very smart and a very fast learner, not to mention a likable guy. I haven't seen a person that he hasn't gotten along with yet. I hate how one little thing has such a negative stigma attached to it. When in reality I see it no different as tobacco or alcohol. In fact, I believe the effects of use are use than those of alcohol. Just my .02, but this isn't the place for this.

I agree, not everyone adjusts their lives to the conformity of others. Just because some are living a way that you dont find appealing doesnt mean you have to downgrade them. Im tired of everyone bitching and moaning because people do things that they detest, that is fine. If you detest it then stay the hell away from it and leave others alone. Oh yeah and good job letting the government set the bar of morality for you.

[Nomad]

Wow, strong overreaction.

[Thrax]

Wow, strong overreaction.

I see what you did there. Well-played, sir.

[pigflipper]

I agree that people shouldn't project their own ideas and images onto others in judgement. I also agree that he baited you quite well.

But then again, personal perspective, I smoke, I drink, I raise hell. I keep a job and maintain a 3.9 GPA (granted, it took me a while (3 years) to straighten up and become serious about work and school). Have fun with that and yes, I know I am just continueing a discussion that should probably have ended already, but I'm bored and have nothing else to do until I hit the parties later tonight.

[Leonardo]

Pro tip: Find new friends.Possibly the right decision. But if not, just don't associate with them at places/times/venues where there is even a remote chance they will get you in trouble. I won't comment on the issue of consuming controlled substances, but I can say that your friends have very poor judgment and are careless. From that angle arises my first comment in this post. I am sure you have level-headed friends who have some situational awareness you could hang out with. If not, find some.

[airbornflght]

OMFG!!!!!!!!

I just got a call from the sergeant guy from the epd and he told me that the charge was being dropped. He told me there was a little bit of confusion and that since I 'just arrived' that they were gonna dismiss it. and that I could tear up my ticket. Like I said these are the coolest cops I've ever dealt with. I'm gonna call down to the city offices tomorrow to make sure one of my friends aren't just ****ing with me though. But yeh, I am so happy.

My day just got 100 times better. I just called jason and told him that if he needed anything or any help I was there for him and that my fine was dismissed. I'm soooooooooo happy.:D

[pigflipper]

Awesome man, but good call on checking to make sure, because sometimes your worst enemies are your friends.

[csimon]

Pro tip: Find new friends.
At first glance I'm inclined to agree with the pro tip however, I'd think that whoever took responsibility for this situation will be a little more cautious from here on out. And actually ...new friends w/o this experience might be inclined to repeat said offenses.
I'm glad it worked out for you airborn. Be a little more careful next time.

[Nightwolf]

Stupid laws. I have too many friends on papers for MIP/possession of an illegal substance... such bull****

[Jengo]

im glad for you abf. And dont worry about finding new friends, your friends sound like an okay bunch, just be cautious when smoking the ganja!

Hope everything turns out good!

[Thrax]

Stupid laws. I have too many friends on papers for MIP/possession of an illegal substance... such bull****

Yeah, it's a real burden.. No, a real hardship when a friend gets ticketed for breaking the law. Nothing irks me more than when The Man does their job and issues citations for that sort of stuff.

DOWN WITH THE SYSTEM!

[airbornflght]

When the system and laws do not benefit the people then yes.

**** THE SYSTEM!

[Thrax]

lolololololol. So green.

[LawnMM]

Oh Brother.

[airbornflght]

If anybody can give me 5 solid reasons that support the prohibition of marijuana then I will take a look at them. Until then, I fail to see the point.

[Kwitko]

Only if you can give me 5 solid reasons to support the legalization of marijuana.

[Thrax]

If anybody can give me 5 solid reasons that support the prohibition of marijuana then I will take a look at them. Until then, I fail to see the point.

Burden of proof is on you, good sir, since you're attempting to change the system.

But to quote a wise friend:

Oh brother.

[airbornflght]

The Illegal marijuana market would be destroyed in a similar way that the speak easies went out of business
It's effects of use are less than those of alcohol and it has been show to have no long term medical effects
Everyone needs to chill out:D (ok, that one doesn't count)
The tax revenue could be poured into something worthwhile such as education. instead of a war
hemp plants could be grown again, which are a cheap source of producing textiles and plastics. We could make paper a lot cheaper from hemp than we do from wood, thus dramatically lessening the impact on the forests and jungles.
Our prison system would have a lot more room for people that have committed real crimes that really have a negative effect on society such as rape and murder.
This isn't really a proof, but more the libertarian in me. By smoking the ganja, how am I trespassing on anyone else's freedoms or liberties?

[CB]

Don't we still refer people to keyboard jockey for these type of discussions?

[Leonardo]

The above discussion, is, well, worthy of discussion, but I thought the topic was getting in trouble and subsequently being released from liability?

Again, I would caution you to chose very carefully with whom you associate and when you associate. A single blot on your record (whether the activity leading up to the 'blot' was morally right or wrong) could have negative consequences towards your future career pursuits.

Situational awareness - that's essentially my whole point.

[NiGHTS]

http://img400.imageshack.us/img400/5185/cburypa8.png

Please don't start that here when I can get enough of it elsewhere.

[Thrax]

Don't we still refer people to keyboard jockey for these type of discussions?

I'm just trolling. I don't actually want a debate. Because debating sucks. ;D

[RyderOCZ]

The Illegal marijuana market would be destroyed in a similar way that the speak easies went out of business
It's effects of use are less than those of alcohol and it has been show to have no long term medical effects
Everyone needs to chill out:D (ok, that one doesn't count)
The tax revenue could be poured into something worthwhile such as education. instead of a war
hemp plants could be grown again, which are a cheap source of producing textiles and plastics. We could make paper a lot cheaper from hemp than we do from wood, thus dramatically lessening the impact on the forests and jungles.
Our prison system would have a lot more room for people that have committed real crimes that really have a negative effect on society such as rape and murder.
This isn't really a proof, but more the libertarian in me. By smoking the ganja, how am I trespassing on anyone else's freedoms or liberties?Without giving this more thought (which I don't want to do at 11:30pm on Sunday):

2. Regardless if the affects are less than alcohol, the possibility that your use of the substance will endanger other innocent people is high. Operating any kind of motorized vehicle for instance and your ability to judge between right and wrong is severely hampered.

6. Like people who killed someone while high?...see #2

You are now down to 3 somewhat arguable points, so you need 2 more again.

I am neither for or against legalization, I am not educated enough on both sides of the story.... are you? At such a young age, have you really researched this or are you merely quoting Pro Marijuana propoganda?

[airbornflght]

Yes, but could you not make it illegal to drive under the influence as it is for alcohol. This seems like the logical thing to do to me. Especially since your reaction time increases and it becomes quite easy to become sidetracked. And killing someone while high (manslaughter) most likely with a vehicle, and being high are two different thing. Millions of people get drunk every day, and there are those stupid enough to get behind the wheel and usually end up killing themselves or some innocent person or family. This happens, and while the individuals pay for their stupidity and crime you do not see the government outlawing alcohol now do you?

So I maintain my points. While they aren't the most refined they do make sense. And I started to write a research paper on the legalization of marijuana this year, but I had a very conservative professor and was afraid my topic choice would affect my grade from there on out. I actually had about 50 pages of academic research compiled at the time to make a fairly concrete argument.

And yes, I know that it is not harmless or without some effect, but why not just regulate it the way we do alcohol. Make laws to keep people from driving while under the influence, and make a limit to how much you can buy over a certain time period and how much you can carry at any one time on you.

[pigflipper]

People who kill someone while high on weed...well...they usually have cocaine or something else in their system, I've never met anybody who has been violent while just high from weed.

As for the effects, generally there are less negative effects than alcohol but studies have shown that moderate to heavy weed smokers do get chest colds.

Also, back to the first part of this reply, bad people are going to do bad things, you can't stop that and blaming any substance (I know I am somewhat contradicting my earlier statement) for what a ****ed up person does is just ignorant finger pointing by people afraid of what they don't understand.

I shouldn't reply in this state of mind...hehe.

[LawnMM]

Airborn, I know you're 18 years old and thus you have life and all its intricacies figured out already. I'm not going to list reasons or start an internet fact finding scavenger hunt.

Let me just say this. It is illegal, and for good reason. I have seen first hand with my own eyes people hurt in car accidents caused by the stoner behind the wheel. I've spoken with habitual drug users addicited to hard drugs that have destroyed their lives like crack, meth, and heroin. Ya know what, they all started with "the easy stuff''...Marijuana.

It has no ill effects? My friend, you speak as though you've been there and know that for a fact. I have fought people that by themselves, took myself and several other grown men wearing uniforms to get under control because they were off their rocker and stoned out of their mind.

Mushrooms are natural too, perhaps we should legalize them as well? I've been just over an arm's reach to a person out of their mind on those with a 12 inch kitchen knife running around on a college campus, breaking into cars, rambling about "the starlight" that I almost shot.

Maybe you have some hippie stoner friend that grows his own stuff and spends his days baking his brain in his own house and he never interacts with anybody. If you've ever bought it, if you hang out with people that have ever bought it, you're supporting an illegal product thats tainted with the blood of countless law enforcement and civilian lives that were horribly and many times fatally affected by their "experience" with the substance. It doesn't hurt anybody? Do a few searches on the internet I'm sure you can find the dashcam videos of the law enforcement officers across this country shot and killed by the trolls that bring that stuff into this country for people like your friends. Nobody's wife and child should go through life without their loved one so some idiot can get high.

If you want to make the world a better place for everybody I suggest you start with an easier and more sensible cause, like education, or the ever worsening state of what used to constitute a family in this country. If you're ever out west come out with me for a ride-along and I'll show you more about life in my 10 hour shift than you've figured out in the last 4 years of high school.

P.S. You friends are idiots, and if you don't want their idiocy to drag your future into the toilet with theirs, I suggest you spend your time with people who don't partake in actions that involve people in my profession. You seem like a bright kid, so hang out with people other than the dim bulbs you've discribed here.

[pigflipper]

Ok, this really has the potential to ugly real fast now. Everybody sit down, have a drink, smoke a bowl, do some yoga, whatever calms you and lets get back to having fun.

[Keebler]

This was actually a thread on the old Icrontic... back when we had a debate forum.