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Once again, Bill Maher has criticized NORML, this time during a conversation with board member Ann Druyan.
 On the Sept. 24 edition of Real Time, Maher introduced Druyan, who is Carl Sagan's widow, as the "head" of NORML. Druyan clarified that she's chairman of the board of directors. Both were wrong. Maher should know that executive director Allen St. Pierre is the "head" of NORML. And Druyan chairs the NORML Foundation, not the NORML board of directors.
When Druyan attempted to explain that NORML runs things "loose," Maher launced into his tired refrain: "That's why the marijuana movement hasn't really ever gone anywhere. The people in charge set their own hours. We need a Karl Rove type lobbyist to move this."
Druyan tells CelebStoner: "You only need a 'Karl Rove type' if the thing you're promoting isn't any good - if you have to manipulate people and convey false impressions in order to win. NORML advocates a wise, humane, healthier, far more scientifically and fiscally responsible drug policy, one that actually is in the best interest of the country. Keith Stroup and Allen St. Pierre are much better suited to deliver that kind of message and I believe their long years of hard work are finally about to pay off."
It's not the first time Maher has needled NORML and other marijuana activists. In 2009, he told an interviewer, "I’ve always said, one of the reasons there’s been so little progress on the marijuana front is that what the movement needs more than anything is some kick-ass, take-no-prisoners, Karl Rove-type lobbyist, you know? And that just never happens, because it’s all a bunch of stoners. You got to get up for that 8 am breakfast meeting with the congressman on Capitol Hill!"
Despite Maher's vitriol, change is on the horizon with California about to legalize marijuana. Has Maher made one public statement in behalf of Prop 19? Not to my knowledge.
NORML's Radical Russ Belville weighs in about Bill Maher
Donate to Prop 19 here.
Also see:
More Blogs by Steve Bloom
Prop 19 Leads in New Poll
More CelebStoner Blogs
CelebStoner News
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He's the person he himself pines for. So step up or shut up, Bill.
He's a mainstreamer. Whether a pot smoker or not, even this man will not take a larger stand.
Is it kind of hypocritical?
I think his main concern is that if a "party" so full of idiots like the tea baggers can organize why can't NORML.