Thankyou Perry for your kind words and for explaining to us what is going on politically. Thank you for being at the forefront of the speaking at these events.
Chip: What emails. I can't remember getting any kind of email from the site? Am I missing something?????
If an email is going out I would be glad to help with that and to help make sure we get all of the ongoing events listed.
I don't usually go on the home page, but, did find out about the dinner there yesterday which helped make some sense out of cancelling the Bryson trip. Maybe if that info was put on the discussions page, other people will understand as well. just sayin...
Perry, even after your explaination of what is going on at the dinner and such, I still don't know quite what is going on there. Is there a bill that will be enacted now???? Sorry, but you understand how some people with disabilities are, me in particular don't understand a lot of this, so sometimes it would help to break it down so that even I can understand it. My brain is on freeze zone at this point and I apologize for that, but, I really want to know what is going on and I am not getting it. Please help me if you will and others, to understand what it is we are doing so we can help support you and the cause you are involved in.
If MPP is not putting us on their site, can we write on their site make sure that we (NCCPN) are recognized. Say write on a topic and invite people over to our site? Just askin...
Thank you for any answers or responses to this. B:whistle:

I wrote mpp a couple weeks ago and got no response when I asked about or if they had NCCPN.org on their mind so they could help us here in NC along with other states that need help with legal Medical Cannabis.

Beccie wrote: "Perry, even after your explaination of what is going on at the dinner and such, I still don't know quite what is going on there. Is there a bill that will be enacted now???? Sorry, but you understand how some people with disabilities are, me in particular don't understand a lot of this, so sometimes it would help to break it down so that even I can understand it. My brain is on freeze zone at this point and I apologize for that, but, I really want to know what is going on and I am not getting it. Please help me if you will and others, to understand what it is we are doing so we can help support you and the cause you are involved in"
I too do not quite understand exactly what it all means... Is this resolution to get HB577 out of where ever it is and back on the table so to speak?? Into another committee?? Are these just steps being taken now to make more of a persence known in 2013 when a NEW bill is introduced?? Is there a real chance that A Medical Cannabis bill will be passed or put before the governor in this session or this year??? Or is everything that is being done now paving the way and garnering support for the long session and a new bill in 2013? I know that politics can move slowly or sometimes more quickly depending on circumstances or who knows who... I Thank Mr. Parks and everyone else who is out there on the front lines being heard and seen by the people who do matter. One day medical cannabis will be available to help so many people and save lives. It is not a matter of if....it is just a matter of when...

Hey Guys, will try and make this a little more clear..

The Democratic Party is separate from elected members. The NCDP is composed of workers in all 100 counties. They are elected as county Chair, v. chair, secretary, treas and other members.

Twice each year, these elected members meet at what is called the "SEC" (State Executive Committee). At that time, all members vote on everything from officers to resolutions and other business.

Our bill was introduced by a Democrat (Rep Alexander). Most of the sponsors are democrats; Rep Glen Bradley being the only republican. When I first got involved with NC politics, the Democratic party in Richmond county came and asked if I would serve as 2nd V Chair of Richmond County.

That happened in 2009, and at my first SEC, I made comments about a bill to decrim cannabis in NC. I told them it already "was" decriminalized in nc. I recommeded we put "medical" in front of cannabis..making the resolution read "we, the democrats, support a resolution to make cannabis legal for medicinal use in NC.

At that time, I thought it was a done deal, since we "passed the measure". Wrong...nothing happened. Since that time, I have become more recognized as a leader in the party, especially on this issue.

After the revolt about a month ago, WE ARE Positioned to make our resolution "live to the public". Most people don't even know the democrats support this overwhelmingly. That is because the party has always listened to us at the SEC, but when the NEWS is announced publicly, it NEVER is mentioned.

This year, because of the revolt, WE (nccpn) were offered a chance to be highly visible at the State Dinner. This is about recognition and the ability to "talk with the leaders in an informal setting about this issue".

I realize that money is tight, and this is a pretty big investment for nccpn. Most of the donation is from individuals..including me. Hope this makes it more understandable.

I guess that's the problem with politics it takes a long time to get people on board and in writing that Marijuana is legal for medical reasons. Makes me wonder how long will it take to have something solid on oak that the state of N.C. has legalized Marijuana for medicinal? Saying you are on board and doing something about being on board is 2 different things.What I have seen in politics is too much flip flopping and too much behind the door shaking of hands. Wake up people the more involved at this dinner the more they will know we are not going any where this is a big issue and needs to be settled. My uncle and I would be there but we will be having contractors all this month in and out our home. I hope the dinner goes great and people listen and something gets done soon. Thanks for all you are doing Mr.Perry you are doing a great Job.

How much is needed for this dinner ,i useally donate each month ,but seems this is the hot topic ,i hope everyone donates to this , Mr, Perry parks is doing this for all of us ,and hes not getting payed, ,Just want to say thnks for your time and effort in fighting this , lord will bless you!

Solo, never have done this before and it is somewhat dual purpose; promote nccpn and support the effort to return the democratic party to what it was meant to be..an advocate for the people's voice.

It had become a gathering of the populace to be guided by the people's wishes..in the form of a resolution. What has happened in the past is the resolutions you finally heard talked about were those put forward by the top elected folks and their constituents. That is why we can now gamble just like Vegas in Cherokee now..

That is changing. We want the priorities to be those of the grass roots, the poor workers and others. this revolt was also about who got the small amount of money that is donated to democratic parties, i.e.,check off funds. Some of that can now go to the local folks who spend their time and money working locally.

This is part of a large change in party politics. Part of this can be witnessed in the people who claim neither party now..Independants..now the largest of any group.

Are you sure it is a good Idea to appear here in uniform? I seem to remember that is not permitted by the UCMJ. Please correct me if wrong. I would just hate for someone to invoke it and hurt the cause. I am a disabled Vet and believe in what you are doing. Just not too sure if the uniform is appropriate for the cause; UCMJ considered.

RXTHC - You have a real good question regarding Perry wearing his uniform. Being that Perry is retired he is no longer bound by the UCMJ and the wearing of his uniform. I too am a retired/100% disabled and was curious about this earlier. I would wear my uniform but my fat butt won't fit in it anymore. LOL

Flip the flag.

Chip,

I too am retired and 100% VA disabled.

This is the last post I will make on this subject as I am not trying to change the thread. Each branch of service has its own regulations with regard to the wearing of uniforms by retirees. Retirees that are entitled to pay are subject to the UCMJ.

I am not trying to go off topic here but this is an important issue and here are the references:

Army Regulation 670-1 prescribes uniform wear by Army veterans and retirees:
Retirees. Paragraph 30-3 of the above listed regulation gives full details. Army retirees may wear the Army uniform only for the following circumstances:
(1) Personnel performing instructor duties at an educational institution conducting courses of instruction approved by the Armed Forces (such as JROTC).
(2) While attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.
(3) Attending parades on national or state holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve United States military unit is taking part.
For (2) and (3), above, only service and dress uniforms may be worn; the BDU and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn.
Wear of the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above is prohibited.
Retirees are authorized to wear the physical fitness uniform (PFU) or the improved physical fitness uniform (IPFU) under the following provisions:
(1) May wear the PFU or the IPFU with civilian attire off the installation.
(2) When wearing the PFU or the IPFU as a complete uniform, retirees will:
(a) Wear only authorized accessories corresponding to those worn by personnel of the Active Army.
(b) Keep the sleeves down on the sweatshirt or jacket, the legs down on the pants, and the t-shirt tucked inside the trunks.
(c) Not roll or push up the sleeves of the IPFU sweatshirt or the PFU/IPFU jacket.
(d) Wear the sleeves of the IPFU sweatshirt cuffed or uncuffed; may not cuff the IPFU jacket sleeves.
(e) Wear the black knit cap pulled down snugly on the head, with the bottom edge of the cap folded up; will not roll the edge of the cap. A similar, commercially designed black knit cap is authorized for wear.
Army Veterans. Instructions are listed in paragraph 30-4 of Army Regulation 670-1.
Former members of the Army may wear the uniform if they served honorably during a declared or undeclared war, and if their most recent service was terminated under honorable conditions (that means an honorable or general discharge). Personnel who qualify under these conditions will wear the Army uniform in the highest grade they held during such war service.
The uniform is authorized for wear only for the following ceremonial occasions, and when traveling to and from the ceremony or function. Uniforms for these occasions are restricted to service and dress uniforms; the BDU and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn.
(1) When attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.
(2) When attending parades on national or state holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve United States military unit is taking part.
Former Soldiers who are discharged honorably or under honorable conditions from the Army (even if it's not during wartime service) may wear their uniform while going from the place of discharge to their home of record, within three months after discharge.
Wear of the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above, is prohibited.
Army Medal of Honor Recipients. Personnel awarded the Medal of Honor may wear the Army uniform at their pleasure, except:
(1) In connection with the furtherance of any political or commercial interests, or when engaged in off-duty civilian employment.
(2) When participating in public speeches, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies, or public demonstrations, except as authorized by competent authority.
(3) When attending any meeting or event that is a function of, or is sponsored by, an extremist organization.
(4) When wearing the uniform would bring discredit upon the Army.
(5) When specifically prohibited by Army regulations.
Note: Any individual wearing a US Military uniform is expected to reflect the high personal appearance standards and esprit de corps that the US Military in uniform represent. To this end, particular attention will be paid not only to the correct and military wear of uniform components, but also to the individual’s personal and physical appearance. All personnel exercising the privilege of wearing a US Military service or dress uniform will comply fully with their service's grooming and weight control standards.

Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)

ART. 2. PERSONS SUBJECT TO THIS CHAPTER
(a) The following persons are subject to this chapter:
• (1) Members of a regular component of the armed forces, including those awaiting discharge after expiration of their terms of enlistment; volunteers from the time of their muster or acceptance into the armed forces; inductees from the time of their actual induction into the armed forces; and other persons lawfully called or ordered into, or to duty in or for training in the armed forces, from the dates when they are required by the terms of the call or order to obey it. 

• (2) Cadets, aviation cadets, and midshipman. 

• (3) Members of a reserve component while on inactive-duty training, but in the case of members of the Army National Guard of the United States or the Air National Guard of the United States only when in Federal Service. 

• (4) Retired members of a regular component of the armed forces who are entitled to pay. 

• (5) Retired members of a reserve component who are receiving hospitalization from an armed force. 

• (6) Members of the Fleet Reserve and Fleet Marine Corps Reserve. 

• (7) Persons in custody of the armed forces serving a sentence imposed by a court-martial. 

• ( Members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Public Health Service, and other organizations, when assigned to and serving with the armed forces. 

• (9) Prisoners of war in custody of the armed forces. 

• (10) In time of war, persons serving with or accompanying an armed force in the field. (IMPORTANT NOTE: EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2007, CONGRESS CHANGED THIS PROVISION TO READ: "In time of declared war or a contigency operation, persons serving with or accompanying an armed force in the field." 

• (11) Subject to any treaty or agreement which the United States is or may be a party to any accepted rule of international law, persons serving with, employed by, or accompanying the armed forces outside the United States and outside the Canal Zone, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. 

• (12) Subject to any treaty or agreement which the United States is or may be a party to any accepted rule of international law, persons within an area leased by or otherwise reserved or acquired for use of the United States which is under the control of the Secretary concerned and which is outside the United States and outside the Canal Zone, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
(b) The voluntary enlistment of any person who has the capacity to understand the significance of enlisting in the armed forces shall be valid for purposes of jurisdiction under subsection (a) and change of status from civilian to member of the armed forces shall be effective upon the taking of the oath of enlistment.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person serving with an armed force who--

• (1) Submitted voluntarily to military authority; 

• (2) met the mental competence and minimum age qualifications of sections 504 and 505 of this title at the time of voluntary submissions to military authority: 

• (3) received military pay or allowances; and 

• (4) performed military duties: is subject to this chapter until such person's active service has been terminated in accordance with law or regulations promulgated by the Secretary concerned.
(d)

• (1) A member of a reserve component who is not on active duty and who is made the subject of proceedings under section 815 ( article 15) or section 830 ( article 30) with respect to an offense against this chapter may be ordered to active duty involuntary for the purpose of-- 

◦ (A) investigation under section 832 of this title ( article 32) 
( trial by court-martial; or 
(C) non judicial punishment under section 815 of this title ( article 15).
• (2) A member of a reserve component may not be ordered to active duty under paragraph (1) except with respect to an offense committed while the member was 

◦ (A) on active duty; or 
( on inactive-duty training, but in the case of members of the Army National Guard of the United States or the Air National Guard of the United States only when in Federal service.
• (3) Authority to order a member to active duty under paragraph (1) shall be exercised under regulations prescribed by the President. 
(4) A member may be ordered to active duty under paragraph (1) only by a person empowered to convene general courts-martial in a regular component of the armed forces. 
(5) A member ordered to active duty under paragraph (1), unless the order to active duty was approved by the Secretary concerned, may not-- 

◦ (A) be sentenced to confinement; or 
( be required to serve a punishment of any restriction on liberty during a period other than a period of inactive-duty training or active duty (other than active duty ordered under paragraph (1)).

134 covers everything from not being liked by superiors to smoking a cigarette while walking in uniform. It used to cover the offenses that are not specific. It is the mind-game article used when you want to run someone up the flagpole. It nothing more than the most general of articles and is used to enforce the mission of the military only.

Veterans have been altering and using the uniform in a manner not allowed or intended for some time. My earliest memory would be Vietnam Vets. Perhaps there are groups from other ages before me that I can not speak of due to my own ignorance of them.

I personally do not care if Perry wears his uniform when he chooses. I left the Marine Corps voluntarily. I no longer have rhyme or reason to represent or support the US military. To be honest, the more education I obtain, the less respect I maintain for the military institution as a whole.

Civilizations throughout history have torn or damaged their clothing in times of crisis.

In order to enforce something like this, so many other uniform regulations would have to be enforced as well. Handings in pockets, cover not correct, Irish pennants, ect.

0% importance to me.

Good topic of importance to explain and understand the uniform. Does this mean that it would be a good idea for anyone going to this dinner and is retired could wear their uniforms as well. Other than Chip that is.

Now back to the topic: Perry I want to thank you for taking the time to help some of us understand what you are doing and what is going on at the dinner. Maybe if we all threw up a BIG PRAYER that the right thing is done and decided on at this dinner would help. I for one will pray that prayer. We need our medicines and cannot make a good attempt of going off our meds without the knowledge that we can use MMJ as our soul med.

I wish you all the best at this meeting. Perry you get my BIG KARMA for the day for all you are doing, whether behind the scenes or out front, you are a very hard worker for the cause I believe you should be recognized for your efforts at this dinner. Thank you to all of you who are out front and working hard to make a difference.

I am a LEO--as in thats my sign!!
New to the site--and glad I found you!!!

So, are we still looking for donations for the dinner? And if I understand correctly there's quite a substantial cost involved (yeh, no, maybe?)if so, and if someone would like to donate to the cause, who would they need to speak to about making a donation?

Also, are we still in need of folks who would be able to attend with Perry? I wouldn't want to intrude, and include myself into someone elses affair, I just wanted to put it out there, that I may be free myself, but I would need some advanced notice, to get my suit and tie out, and maybe knock a little dust off the shoulders that's all.

If you guy's need me, I really would love to do something and be able to feel more involved, and I'd personally feel honored to stand beside a Vet such as Perry and proudly represent our cause, and the others in our group..... PSS....I clean up, and look pretty good too when my wife lays my clothes out for me!

Concerning the topic, I very seldom check my email, most folks who need to talk to me, either shoot it to me by snail mail, or ring me up on the cell, so if you guys have sent any emails, it probably just got mixed in with the 380 other pieces of junk email I recieve a week and got automaticly flushed out into cyberspace with the rest because I haven't bothered to clear it out yet!... Just keeping it real!

I have visited the site quite a few times and sort of browsed around through some of the recent topics and so forth, to see if there was anything new happening with the bill, or if it had been shot down, or maybe some other area I could jump on board and be of a help with, but most of the time, I didn't bother to log in unless I wanted to reply to something I had read in the forums. I'd imagine there are alot of folks like myself who just come in and lurk through the forums and leave, but I'll be more conscientious about loging in from now on.

Maybe you guys already have some place set up on the boards, or in the forums, for folks to volunteer and so forth, or maybe someplace to post up jobs, or assignments, that you need help with.

I'm not a guy with all the answers for sure, But I was one of the founders of NC Legends Motorcycle Club, here in Richmond County, And I remember the Club was really begining to grow and the membership had become quite large, But it still seemed as if, you always had the same group of guys and their ole' ladys take care of every little aspect of everything that went into making an event happen. You may have 200 folks show up at the clubhouse, and there would be 190 folks standing around shooting the crap, and drinking beer, and it would always seem to be the same 10 dependable folks doing the cooking, planning, organizing, making phone calls, and whatever else was needed in order to have a killer event.

All the others showed up, and most were willing to pitch in and help, if only someone would have been there to pass out the assignments and so forth, someone to say "hey you, do this, and you, how about doing that", we could have accomplished so much more. But in all honesty most of us lacked the leadership skills we needed to make that into a reality at this early start up stage of the club, we just knew we had all came together for the same reasons, we wanted to be active in our community, and try and help out some of the less fotunate folks in our area.

Listen every group needs what we always referred to as a "Ram-Rod" on the construction site, a person who kept his eye on the goal, and shouted out orders, so everyone else could just concentrate on accomplishing one goal at a time, tic-toc, tic-toc, and like clock work brother, it would come together piece by piece, and before you know it we had accomplished some of the biggest jobs imaginable to most men, and at the end of each day, we'd all gather up at one of the local watering holes and have a cold one together, everyone feeling like men who had gotten something accomplished, and a large part of it was on account of the "Ram-Rod".....The Guy Who Makes It Happen!

I once had a small individual part in the construction of the largest steel mills on the eastern seaboard, it was in Virginia, and the building itself covered 750 acres of land! The building was so large, the company that won the contract just bought the three local concrete companies in the area so they would be assured of having the concrete when they needed it!

So, to cut it short, who is the "Ram-Rod" around here at NCCPN?...... I'm here, we're here, what you need us to do? Let's make it happen!!!

Hi Marvin, I was wondering where to start you off. I guess the first place I would suggest to you since you are a go getter and have so much experience in helping get things done, I would go to the left hand side and see what group you belong in. There is a place over on the left where you put in your county and boom it will take you to your group. There you can sign up and see what they are doing. I am glad to see a hard worker here on site. We are definitely in need of people like you. there are some of us that encourage and support the people doing things, because we cannot do it ourselves due to whatever our bodies have decided to give us. So for a suggestion, that is where I would start. Welcome aboard. B

marvin welcome to the site and sandhills chapter is having a cookout on the 23rd june private message to JR for directions. also any one eles who would like to come is welcome the more the better, L8terz

vanilladlyte72 wrote:
lol, had me there for a second...