ALS “Ice Bucket Challenge”

admin — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 09:00:49 +0000

The ALS “Ice Bucket Challenge” has become the internet sensation this summer. Your Facebook account probably has received dozens of these videos and challenges designed to raise money for ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. You may have seen former President George W. Bush participate in the challenge which made broadcast news. The DOD has now declared that military personnel cannot participate in such a challenge in uniform because it may be construed as an implied endorsement of support by DOD. Ok, that is overreacting, without thinking the problem through.

DOD should know that ALS afflicts US Military Veterans at twice the rate of the civilian population. The data which VA, ALS, Harvard University and many medical schools have reviewed supports this conclusion. The reason for the startling medical fact is unknown at this time.

In fact, no one knows why U.S. military veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS than the general population, or why those who deployed during the Gulf War in 1990-91 may be twice as likely to get the disease as other troops. Although it’s still a rare illness, affecting about 30,000 people across the country, it is so devastating to its victims and their families that the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs have made a mission out of trying to reduce their suffering.

VA will treat ALS as a presumptive disease for veterans disability compensation purposes. So after viewing the 100^th bucket of cold water being dumped on friends, relatives and celebrities, the challenge is getting a little tedious. However, it is raising money for necessary medical research. I just wish that DOD & VA would use this opportunity to let veterans and the general population know that this is a situation that is inflicting our veterans at twice the normal rate. Did you know that? Think about that or “paste” the above comment into your Facebook page next time a friend sends you one of those videos.

http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140821/NEWS05/308210042

Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC fights for veterans rights. We fight to make sure you get the benefits you deserve from the Department of Veterans Affairs. To learn more or contact a veterans attorney, visit http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com/ or call 800.693.4800

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Missouri Marijuana Legalization Could Save Millions and Reduce Incarceration State-Wide

admin — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 19:19:31 +0000

Mere talk of medical marijuana legalization has some Missouri lawmakers scurrying; the state government is now preemptively passing resolutions to record the position of opposing local governments. While medical or recreational legalization of the drug in the Show Me State may remain unlikely for the present moment, it is far more certain that legalized marijuana would save state law enforcement money and time.

Two states, Colorado and Washington, have legalized marijuana for recreational purposes, and 18 more permit the use of cannabis for medical purposes. In Missouri, however, marijuana possession is illegal, and the state has some of the strictest marijuana laws in the nation: possession of less than 35 grams is a misdemeanor, but conviction for possession of a single gram can result in a sentence of up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine. Possession of more than 35 grams of cannabis is a felony in the state.

A bill introduced in the Missouri House in January would allow adults aged 21 and older to possess and use marijuana. The measure is modeled on the law Colorado voters approved in 2012. By most projections, the bill stands little chance of passing, but a poll taken in 2012 did show that more than half of all Missourians favor marijuana legalization.

Legal and financial experts project that Missouri could save time and money on current state expenses. According to one Harvard University study, the potential shift would save Missouri $90 million in costs linked to the enforcement of the state’s marijuana laws and to the incarceration of offenders. In addition, legalization of marijuana carries powerful expected fiscal benefits. Legalization would earn the state treasury $59 million in annual tax revenue.

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The post Missouri Marijuana Legalization Could Save Millions and Reduce Incarceration State-Wide first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.

Harvard University | SEONewsWire.net

ALS “Ice Bucket Challenge”

Missouri Marijuana Legalization Could Save Millions and Reduce Incarceration State-Wide