Building Bridges of Unity Between Michigan and Ontario With Cannabis

By Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst 

          April 2018 has truly been an appreciation celebration for everyone who has been involved in changing the horrible policy toward Cannabis.  On this month people tore down a wall and, are starting to build a bridge of peace, prosperity, green jobs, and health care reform.  Candidates running for office in August and November 2018 were put on notice that if you don’t support marijuana decriminalization, save your campaign money and withdraw your application. Congratulations to Attorney Dana Nessel for winning the Democratic nomination with the help of the Michigan Educational Association Teacher’s union and the Medial Marijuana community. Her position on Pot helped to upset Pat Miles who was hypocrite by prosecuting legal Medical Marijuana patients with Federal Law disrespecting the states rights of Michigan citizens.

From Both Sides of the Detroit River,  One Love 

This was the last illegal event Marijuana event in North America and it could not come fast enough. On July 1^st , Canada will formally enact recreational marijuana laws that will allow their citizens to safely use Marijuana without penalty of law.  To mark the occasion, I went on a fact finding tour of Windsor Canada and participated in the Epic 420/421 event with the proceeds going toward ending hunger in Windsor.  This event was located in front of Windsor City Hall and Police Station in front of Caesars Casino Windsor.

Just Say Know!  -  Reading is essential

In the mist of a worker strike at the Casino, union members and Canadian citizens fully supported and participated in this event. Featured speakers include Sam Mellace, a medical marijuana user and rights advocate, John Turmel, a long-time fighter for legalization and Paul Hartman, a cannabis user and the brother of late comedian Phil Hartman. Paul Hartman was deported from America for “Weed crimes against America". Hartman gave a compelling speech on how Cannabis helped him beat Colon Cancer. I was also pleased to find out that the Laborers International Union of North America covers their members Medical Marijuana costs.

George Cushingberry speaking to Canadian Press about the
sea change in the attitude towards Marijuana in America.
Building Bridges Instead of Walls.

The people were excited to see and hear guest speakers Richard Clement and Ex-Detroit City Councilmember Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr describe the situation  in Detroit, and the fight to end the war on weed in America. The war can only be won through voting and demanding legislation by politicians to support the will of their employers. Or Else!

Building Bridges Instead of Walls 

The theme from us was to build a bridge or two of unity instead of walls of division. No one will ever get deported again from either country for the “crime” of marijuana possession. People like Marc Emery and Paul Hartman will be able to travel freely between Detroit and Windsor because, people have made a commitment to show up and vote in all elections in 2018.   The first date of early voting starts June 22^nd   for the August 7^th,  2018 Michigan Primary and September 22nd, 2018 for the November 6^th General Election. 

Richard Clement and American Deportee Paul Hartman 

If you will be 18 years of age on August 7th, or November 6th, 2018 register to vote NOW or face the consequences. Vote for candidates who support legalization and, the decriminalization of Marijuana. Check candidate prior records for flip-flopping or obstructing a marijuana business while in elected office.  Be on guard for candidates and their supporters who lie about supporting marijuana business on the one hand. While the other hand is materially participating in shutting them down via zoning hearings, court orders, and enacting local ordinances.

Festival Vendors in Attendance

Otherwise the Epic 420/421 event was a huge success. Charles Clarke Square is behind Caesars Casino Windsor, right in front of Windsor City Hall and the Windsor Police Department. Participants at the fest were able to purchase cannabis products without a card after paying the admission fee. There were no arrests or police incidents reported.

Charles Clarke Square - Windsor Ontario Canada

Epic 420/421 Festival

Working Together As One To Get The Job Done - Reverend Dr. George Cushingberry

The Word Of the Day from Rev Dr. George Cushingberry Jr.

Philippians 4:11 – Chapter 4

Peace with the Brethren, Appealing for Steadfastness and Unity

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

1.   I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 

2.   Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Everyone must be on the same team with the Lord. Success begins by, sharing the same dream and, agreeing to synchronize efforts to achieve the desired result.

Rev. Dr. George Cushingberry Jr. 

What Does It Take to Make A Great City and State? A Working Coleman Young International Airport and Marijuana Reform

By Richard C. Clement 

What can 5 million dollars’ worth of weed do for neighborhood improvement?

Currently, the City of Detroit is in possession of $5 million dollars of Marijuana taken in a raid at Mound and 8 Mile Road on March 16^th, 2018 by the Detroit Police Department.  This medicine will be destroyed along with the $5 million dollar opportunity for desperately needed revenue.  While no one has filed a claim as of yet to return the property, if this medicine is sold at a Detroit Police Auction, where do you want the money to go?

Mayor Mike Duggan
emailmike@detroitmi.gov

One asset of the City that has been maliciously neglected is the Historic Coleman S. Young International Detroit City Airport. Potential customers of the airport are 4.5 miles or 7 minutes from Downtown or live within 10 miles of the complex. Currently, the main runway at Detroit City Airport is in dire need of repair to the tune of 3.5 million dollars. This would allow newer and faster aircraft to use the facility for private and public purposes, increasing business and tax revenue for the City of Detroit. And there you go, one fixed runway with 1.5 million left for other needs.

Website:  Coleman Young International (KDET) Air Traffic Live


Website: A Flight From Detroit City Airport to Toronto Canada - The Contrast in Use

The dismantling of the Benjamin O. Davis High School and neglect of City Airport was a criminal act that can be attributed to the work of Managers and Financial review boards appointed by State officials.  Just like the management job done in Flint MI, students were poisoned by the removal of equipment, teachers, and educational opportunities to support the Educational Achievement Authority which has turned out to be a criminal business enterprise that achieved lower test scores, empty school buildings, and a large financial debt.

Free KDET! - Call and Complain to Mayor Duggan Today!

The damage from these people is very correctable by electing and selecting people who have the best interests of the children at heart.  With new ordinances and State Laws, students in Public Education must have the opportunity to study aviation and auto mechanics careers if they are interested. The area around Detroit City Airport will allow the construction of a new runway and drag strip complex built for students gaining FAA/FCC and Auto Mechanic certifications that will help build careers.

If you want change to happen, then you must communicate to your elected officials to do the right thing. The way to do it is to call Mayor Mike Duggan and all nine council members and tell them to “Free the Weed for the Jobs We Need” by doing the following steps:

• Re-Investing into the Airport as an Airport with a historical designation, commercial air service, and educational institution
• Returning the medicine to their rightful owners or selling at auction with restricted funding for airport re-development.
• Ending the moratorium by the City of Detroit on Marijuana Businesses and process applications for Marijuana related businesses.
• Immediate Expungement of all prior and current Marijuana convictions in the City of Detroit by ordinance.

If the people’s wishes are carried out, then citizens will have regained the confidence of their government doing the right thing for them.

Contact Information - Fire Them Up TODAY!

Name	Phone Number	Email Address
Mayor Mike Duggan	(313) 224-3400	dugganm@detroitmi.gov
Council Pres. Brenda Jones	(313) 224-1245	JonesB@detroitmi.gov
Council Pres Pro Tem Mary Sheffield	(313) 224-4505	sheffieldm@detroitmi.gov
Councilmember Janee Ayers	(313) 224-4248	ayresj@detroitmi.gov
Councilmember James Tate	(313) 224-1027	tatej@detroitmi.gov
Councilmember Roy McAlister	(313) 224-4535	McalisterR@detroitmi.gov
Councilmember Scott Benson	(313) 224-1198	bensons@detroitmi.gov
Councilmember Andre Spivey	(313) 224-4841	spiveya@detroitmi.gov
Councilmember Raquel Castenada Lopez	(313) 224-2450	councilmemberraquel@detroitmi.gov
Councilmember Gabe Leyland	(313) 224-2151	bensons@detroitmi.gov
City Clerk Janice Winfrey	(313) 224-3260	winfreyj@detroitmi.gov
Corporate Counsel Lawrence Garcia		GarciaL@detroitmi.gov

Detroit City Councilmember Scott Benson On The Corner with Cush at 910AM Superstation

Press Release: Cushingberry's Corner  910 AM Superstation - March 19th, 2018 6pm

On Monday March 19^th, Detroit City Council member Scott Benson District 3 is scheduled to stop into Cush’s Corner on the 910AM Suuuuperstation (www.910amsuperstation.com) to talk about what's going on inside the City of Detroit.  

Scott Benson District 3

One of the questions for him is the latest status on the redevelopment and restoration of commercial air service at Detroit City Airport. What is his position on reinvesting into the grounds by building a new Benjamin O. Davis High School on Airport grounds through the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen?  


Would a new runway increase the land value in the neighborhoods through landing fees from users of the facility?  And as a show of faith, what is his take on the entire Detroit Delegation to fly out of City Airport to the Congressional Black Caucus event in Washington DC instead of driving to metro?

Question: Is there an African American owned Airline in America?

Runway Neighborhood Improvement Project 

Answer: YES.  Metropolitan Airways - Las Vegas Nevada www.metroairways.net

'

Other topics will be crime reduction, education and the Council's position on the 180 day moratorium on Marijuana businesses. A number of Marijuana Businesses like Sativa Detroit on Santa Barbara and 8 Mile moved to Ann Arbor. Other businesses have moved to other cities like Inkster Michigan, that have approved their ordinances by a vote of the people. 

The question is, what should the city do with the revenue once everything gets settled in Detroit? 

Website: Detroit City Councilmember Scott Benson

Given the City's willingness to open safe houses for Opioid use, why are we not licencing marijuana businesses instead of shutting them down? Is there a subtle hypocrisy in this policy with government providing drugs to citizens while demonizing other citizens using their medicine with criminal and civil punishment?

Is it a better financial investment for the City into Information Technology resources by taking online marijuana applications, instead of lawyers in Corporate Council allowing only paper applications?

Website: City Of Detroit Medical Marijuana Online Applications 

Finally what is the status of City finances because of sharing data with the State of Michigan, allowing City taxpayers to receive their State and City return at the same time?


Call in number (313) 778-7600.

Ask your questions in advance by using our comments section: 

Reasoning On Why The City Must Abandon The Anti-Marijuana Reform Lawsuit

By Richard Clement - Marijuana Policy Consultant

After further review of Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Robert Colombo's decision to overturn the voter approved Proposals A and B,  a further analysis of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act was undertaken by interested parties like me.  The question becomes:

Is a ballot initiative similar to a protest petition as specified in the Mi Zoning Enabling Act?  (MCL 125.3403 - Amending a zoning ordinance) 

Did the people speak clearly to the issue of amending the zoning ordinance?  It was clear that the original ordinance was not a choice of the people but, administratively enacted by a majority vote of the City Council.   The owners/voters of the land objected and, responded clearly with their vote, exceeding the 20% threshold required in Section 403 of the Zoning Enabling Act.

Why Can't Weed Be Friends

The ultimate decision maker of laws are the people who have to live by them.  Therefore the petitions were filed according the law and, the case should be dismissed by the Michigan Supreme Court.  To review the opposition's argument that the neighborhoods do not want them, a tight review of the voting results show that a very large majority of the opposition is located in 10 distinct neighborhoods or voting precincts within City Council Districts 1, and 2.  The City of Detroit has 490 neighborhood precincts and 480 of them voted yes on both proposals (98% Yes / 2% no)

The resources spent with the Law Department must be redirected to Information Technology development, hiring Marijuana compliance inspectors to make sure that quality products are being sold and, customer service are being provided as requested by the majority of the citizens of the City.

To make this happen, you must call or email Mayor Duggan and all nine Detroit City Council members asking them to  Cease and Desist with the lawsuit and, allow Information Technology professionals the ability to do their jobs for the people who have hired them in the City of Detroit.

City of Detroit Website (City Council)


City of Detroit (Mayor)


Michigan Zoning Enabling ACT  Section (125.3403)

125.3403 Amendment to zoning ordinance; filing of protest petition; vote. Sec. 403. 

(1) An amendment to a zoning ordinance by a city or village is subject to a protest petition as required by this subsection. If a protest petition is filed, approval of the amendment to the zoning ordinance shall require a 2/3 vote of the legislative body, unless a larger vote, not to exceed a 3/4 vote, is required by ordinance or charter. The protest petition shall be presented to the legislative body of the city or village before final legislative action on the amendment and shall be signed by 1 or more of the following: 

• (a) The owners of at least 20% of the area of land included in the proposed change. 

• (b) The owners of at least 20% of the area of land included within an area extending outward 100 feet from any point on the boundary of the land included in the proposed change. 

(2) Publicly owned land shall be excluded in calculating the 20% land area requirement under subsection (1). 2006, Act 110, Eff. July 1, 2006

Voter Suppression for Marijuana Reform Creates Voter Apathy and Mistrust in Detroit

By Richard Clement

The recent opt in and zoning initiatives on the November 7th, 2017 ballot was approved in  480 of the 490 voting precincts within the City of Detroit. Both proposals passed by 98% citywide, so it is baffling when the Council introduces a moratorium and directs the City Law Department to invalidate election results. Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Robert Colombo allowed the City of Detroit to switch from being defendants to plaintiffs on the same charges that were tossed for two plaintiffs Marcus Cummings and VK Holdings LLC at 12800 E. Eight Mile.  

Michigan Attorney General Candidate
Dana Nessel
www.dana2018.com

The same Judge who deemed their case frivolous, used the same information to invalidate the ballot initiative. The City was allowed to refile charges at 12:01pm, allowing Judge Colombo to wait until 6:30pm to flip flop on the law. This is the same procedure that the Legislators in Lansing used to throw out the no vote on the Emergency Manager, reinstating them to loot City assets and poison children in Flint Michigan without fear or retribution.

The numbers below are a breakdown of the vote by City Council district.  In Districts 4 through 7, Opting Into State Law passed by 100% of the vote with Zoning passing by 98%. In City Council District 3, Marijuana passed by 98% whereas Districts 1 and 2 had a 94% percent rate of approval.  Both proposals A and B, passed by a 98% margin in the entire city.

Dist	PCT#		A	A%	B	B%	A+B	A+B%	AorB	AorB%
1	76		71	93.4%	68	89.5%	72	94.7%	67	88.2%
2	81		73	90.1%	72	88.9%	76	93.8%	70	86.4%
3	67		65	97.0%	65	97.0%	66	98.5%	64	95.5%
4	68		68	100.0%	68	100.0%	68	100.0%	68	100.0%
5	74		74	100.0%	73	98.6%	74	100.0%	73	98.6%
6	58		58	100.0%	57	98.3%	58	100.0%	57	98.3%
7	66		66	100.0%	65	98.5%	66	100.0%	65	98.5%
ALL	490		475	96.9%	468	95.5%	480	98.0%	464	94.7%

Legislative voter fraud is when elected officials move to negate the will of their citizens after a vote because the results are not to their liking. For the City of Detroit leadership to file a motion with Wayne County Circuit Court to invalidate the results of a vote is deplorable. This action creates voter apathy,  proves the case to some in the community, especially the African American community that their vote does not count. This action by the city creates mistrust in our government among citizens in Detroit, especially the young people under 40 years of age. 

Making decisions after normal working hours so that people are not aware of what is going on until the next morning is deplorable. This should not be the new method of operation (MO) for democracy in Michigan. To stop this we must elect an Attorney General like Dana Nessel who would step up and fight for the will of the people, instead of the interest of a few. We must put good leaders with wisdom and knowledge in the Michigan State House and Senate. We must elect Judges and Sheriffs who have the people's best interest at heart.

This decision by Judge Colombo must be appealed for the sake of democracy. The children are learning from their elected leaders that their votes can be suppressed. This is not good for education, and the future of our City.  Especially to the ancestors like Mrs. Amelia Boynton who who got punched in the mouth on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma Alabama so that her and others have the opportunity to determine the direction of their community by voting. 

Contact your Detroit City Council Today at www.detroitmi.gov/Government/City-Council and tell them to respect the will of the people because, they are employees of the people who employ them with their vote.

Saving our Overmedicated Youth From Opioids With Dr. Margret Betts on Cush Corner

Dr. Margret Betts

By The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.

See, hear, and speak with Dr. Margret Betts on Cush’s Corner Show on  Superstation WFDF 910AM Detroit, Michigan between 6 and 7pm Wednesdays.  She will be discussing using holistic medicine vs State Issued Psychotic drugs for behavior problems with youth. Her strong belief is that our children are over medicated and offered prescription drugs instead of holistic and alternative medicine.  She was an instrumental advisor to the late Maryanne Goldbold who held Detroit Police and State Troopers at bay when Child protective services tried to take her 13 year old daughter away because, she decided to take her daughter off of prescription medicine in 2011. 

www.910amsuperstation.com

Currently, Dr. Betts is President and Medical Director of the Betts Medical Group which specializes in internal and adolescentmedicine in the city of Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Betts has been actively practicing medicine for more than 20 years and has made it her personal mission to provide quality holistic medical care in order to improve the physical and emotional well being of those in need and to provide education to ensure sustainability.

The Station Call in number is (313) 778-7600  or (313)778-7601

    

Website:  Maryanne Goldbold v State of MI ChildProtective Svcs  MLive April 2011