Green Army NY Visits the Capital!

Green Army NY journeyed to Washington DC to take part in the celebration of our nation’s 233rd anniversary. The Capital was beautiful, no expense was spared.

The primary objective of the trip was to attend the 40th Annual Smoke-In @ Lafayette Park, directly across the street from the White House on the 4th of July. We planned a three-day trip though to take in the sights and see the District. We wanted to bring Green Army NY to DC and see what kind of support we could muster. 

We arrived the Friday before the 4th, checked into the hotel and hit the city. We initially did reconnaissance and got our bearings; we walked all the way from the Washington Monument to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Satisfied that we had sorted ourselves out, we went back to the hotel and planned out our strategies for the 4th. 

Saturday morning, we got to the rally at the appointed time and met everyone there. It was so nice to meet people from other parts of our nation fighting for the same cause. It shows you how the idea transcends borders and begs the question – why is this still a problem? 

While the turnout was good and support was there, there needs to be more. We need to take the shame out of smoking marijuana. The socio-political implications of legalization or at least decriminalization are astounding. We believe that if the negative images associated with marijuana are eliminated, people will be more open to discussions on policy amendment. 

The turnout at the rally was in the hundreds and Green Army’s Mission Statement was read aloud to the masses (thanks Johnny!). It was met with widespread popular support and enthusiasm. It is this kind of support that leads us to believe we are headed in the right direction. But the movement needs reinforcements. The numbers do not lie. With the support we gain on a daily basis and during our numerous battles, the attendance at these rallies should be much larger. We need to show people they do not have to be afraid of attending these events. It should not matter where you work or what you do. If it’s something you do medically or responsibly in private, you should not be held legally responsible for showing your support. 

Green Army NY is all about the facts. We have reviewed the relevant scientific, medical and statistical data and determined legalization for medicinal use is the first step. Our long-term goal is legalization, but we understand that this war against prohibition is fought one battle at a time.  

Freedom is not free. During our stay, as mentioned earlier, we had a chance to visit all the major monuments of Washington. We really felt the honor of being there and the sacrifice involved. The ability to form an organization like Green Army NY and the opportunity to change legislation through popular opinion comes at a price. We must never forget to honor the brave men and women who keep us safe and protect our freedom. 

All in all, we had a blast in DC. The rally was great and we met a bunch of amazing people all fighting for the cause. It left us with a humbling respect for our country and another boost to our morale. The experience, again, reinforced the notion that we’re on the right track. We just cannot forget that this is an uphill battle, for the hearts and minds of the American people. 

Green Army NY Announces TV Interview 

Green Army NY will be appearing on “Let Them Talk” with Paul DeRienzo and Miss Joan Marie Mossy. The interview airs July 21, 2009 on NYC Channel 56 and will be simulcast live on the Web at mnn.com.

Green Army NY will be giving airtime to explain the purpose of the organization. Explanations will be given regarding founding, purpose and long term goals. This is an opportunity to explain to the broader public that there is a very large, taxable demographic of people out there that use marijuana, medically and recreationally. 

The public, and our elected officials especially, need to know there is no need to fear or be ashamed of supporting medical or recreational marijuana use. Green Army NY believes legalization of marijuana for medical use should come first. Next would be decriminalization, followed eventually by legalization. The interview will touch on the differences and why this is the chosen course.