Idiot Big Brother morons

Zer0 · Post by **Zer0** » Fri May 30, 2008 8:03 am

We're driving up to Oregon to see my sis this summer. Now I WILL stop in Weed, and not just to hold my boys in front of the sign, but to drink and buy their brew.

Government boobs (also pasted below):

http://www.latimes.com/news/printeditio ... 5941.story

'Legal Weed' is just beer, but Feds want to cap sales

The bottle-top slogan of a brewer with a head for business in Weed, Calif., draws a warning from U.S. drug watchdogs. All he's pushing is a respectable local enterprise, backers say.

By Eric Bailey, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
May 29, 2008

WEED, CALIF. -- -- This town is in a tempest over a bottle top.

The federal government is telling the owner of a small brewery here that the pun he's placed on caps of his Weed Ales crosses a line.

The U.S. Treasury Department's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau says those three little words allude to marijuana use.

Vaune Dillmann, owner of Mt. Shasta Brewing Co., says he was just trying to grab attention for his beers and this tough-luck place in the morning shadow of Mt. Shasta.

But in the two months since he received a warning, the 61-year-old brewer has found himself in a David-vs.-Goliath struggle, cast as the little guy.

The bureau's bureaucrats have told Dillmann he needs to stop using the "Try Legal Weed" bottle caps. If he doesn't, he could risk fines or sanctions. His worst fear: being forced out of business.

A balding former cop turned saloon owner and then master brewer, Dillmann isn't one to back down.

"This is ludicrous, bizarre, like meeting Big Brother face-to-face," he grumbled recently. "Forget freedom of speech and the 1st Amendment. They are the regulatory gods, a judge and jury all rolled into one. This is a life-or-death issue for my business."

Besides, he said, the town itself was named for a man, not a plant. Abner Weed was a lumber baron who served as a state senator from these parts a century ago.

Officials at the tax and trade bureau say they have no desire to run Dillmann out of the brewing business, insult the residents of Weed or sully the memory of its founding father.

But the agency does intend to keep an eye out for alcoholic beverage labels violating the regulatory rules, said Art Resnick, a federal spokesman.

Dillmann's label faux pas, Resnick said, was twofold: "We consider it to be a drug reference, and find it to be false and misleading to the consumer in terms of what may or may not be the properties contained within that product," Resnick said.

Folks in Weed -- population 3,000 -- know whom they're rooting for.

"It's just plain goofy to me the federal government is making so much of a fuss over this," said Mayor Chuck Sutton. "I can sort of understand their point, but it all seems a little overboard."

"Government is keeping us safe from bottle caps," mocked the headline above an editorial in the Record Searchlight newspaper of Redding, an hour's drive south down Interstate 5.

"Let's get real," the editorial concluded, "anyone old enough to legally buy a six-pack . . . is mature enough not to be dragged into a life of drug-addled debauchery by a message on the bottle cap."

Siskiyou County Supervisor Michael Kobseff also came to Dillmann's defense, saying the town was proud of the brewer and his accomplishments, including the economic stimulus his business had brought to an area still recovering from the timber industry's decline.

On the bottle caps in question, "Try Legal Weed" is surrounded by the slogan "A Friend in Weed Is a Friend Indeed." To Dillmann's supporters, that spells civic boosterism, not drug pushing.

Not that weed isn't being pushed inside the city limits.

Weed has a tradition of exploiting the double-entendre of its name. A pithy placard on the way out of town announces "Temporarily Out of Weed." Gas stations sell "High on Weed" T-shirts. (The town, after all, is at an elevation of 3,500 feet.)

Though the town is no counterculture haven, the metal entry arch downtown is something of a stoner stopover. Summer days find traveling pot aficionados playfully posing for snapshots under the archway's sign, "WEED."

Dillmann, whose family has deep roots in the community, helped erect that sign in 1988 and is quick to note he has never inhaled the illegal stuff. His wife is a longtime grade-school teacher whose forebears homesteaded in the 1880s. His grown son is a firefighter.

Still, he's happy to tap into cheeky reefer references to win a sliver of market share in a bruising business. His bottled brews include Shastafarian Porter (a wink and a nod to Rastafarians) and Mountain High IPA.

Since he began brewing five years ago in an abandoned former creamery, Dillmann has built a business with half a dozen employees, a tasting room with carved-wood bar, a growing distribution reach all over the Golden State and a blossoming reputation for tasty microbrews.

So far, more than 400,000 beer bottles have proudly worn the "Try Legal Weed" caps.

Regulators caught up with the caps in February, as Dillmann was seeking label approval for his Lemurian Golden Lager. They issued a rejection sheet citing several typeface technicalities and one deal breaker: the words "Try Legal Weed."

So far, no one has ordered Dillmann to recall any previously capped bottles. But he recently took delivery of another 400,000 caps. If they can't be used, he'll be out $10,000. That's no small change for a small business like his.

The controversy has, via the Internet, raised the ire of beer lovers all over. Dillmann has received more than 1,000 letters, e-mails and phone calls, almost all in support. He's also tapped his local congressman, Rep. Wally Herger (R-Chico), and U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), who pressed regulators.

Dillmann has appealed, with a decision expected by Sunday. He vows not to cave, and expects a long, expensive legal battle if need be. He says he just wants to keep his caps and not lose his shirt.

What irks him most, he says -- even more than the feds' lack of a funny bone -- is what he considers a double standard.

While stomping on him, Dillmann says, the government treats Budweiser with kid gloves, despite the fact that "This Bud's for You" also could be mistaken for marijuana slang.

"They sell Bud. We sell Weed," he said. "What's the difference?"

Jaeger · Post by **Jaeger** » Fri May 30, 2008 8:11 am

[INSERT FROTHING-AT-MOUTH ANGRY ABOUT HOW STUPID THE GOVERNMENT IS POST HERE]

--Jaeger

Bigshankhank · Post by **Bigshankhank** » Fri May 30, 2008 8:25 am

Oh man, there's a restaurant here that sells a hot sauce called "Smack My Ass and Call me Sally". I'm gonna sue them in federal court for promoting spousal abuse and/or sexual harrassment in the workplace...

rubber buccaneer · Post by **rubber buccaneer** » Fri May 30, 2008 8:41 am

Bigshankhank wrote:Oh man, there's a restaurant here that sells a hot sauce called "Smack My Ass and Call me Sally". I'm gonna sue them in federal court for promoting spousal abuse and/or sexual harrassment in the workplace...

but ... is the sauce any good ?

Rabbit_Fighter · Post by **Rabbit_Fighter** » Fri May 30, 2008 8:51 am

Oh what irony. They get their panties in a bunch over a reference to recreational drug us . . . ON A FUCKING BEER BOTTLE!!! Beer ain't exactly vitamins folks!

piccini9 · Post by **piccini9** » Fri May 30, 2008 8:53 am

fuck,fuck,fuckin, fuuckfuckfuckfuckfuckers

red · Post by **red** » Fri May 30, 2008 9:27 am

Another reason we DON'T need more government intervention in our lives.

thrasherbill · Post by **thrasherbill** » Fri May 30, 2008 10:09 am

[INSERT FROTHING-AT-MOUTH ANGRY THAT HE CAN'T DRINK BEER AT WORK POST HERE]

Mask · Post by **Mask** » Fri May 30, 2008 12:22 pm

In the St. Petersburg, FL area, Hooters (to advertise serving liquor in their restaurants) had a billboard that said...

Liquor in Tampa, Poker in Vegas.

The local gov made a fuss and it was taken down...I thought it was funny.

SomeMook · Post by **SomeMook** » Fri May 30, 2008 12:43 pm

Lest we forget the Bud Ice Penguin

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JNPoSur4O4Y&hl ... ram><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JNPoSur4O4Y&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EVWtq-_VYk8&hl ... ram><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EVWtq-_VYk8&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

Doobie doobie doo!

Photo · Post by **Photo** » Fri May 30, 2008 3:07 pm

Yes, yes. And cartoon Camels make me want to smoke...

I pine for the days when our Government officials didn't think of us as stupid.

...and what Jaeger and Thrasherbill said. Megadittos, Rush.

guitargeek · Post by **guitargeek** » Fri May 30, 2008 3:40 pm

This is where I come down on the libertarian side of things. I like big government for big things like highways, the military, the space program, big science, education, etc, because we need big muscle and consistency across the board for these things.

This, though, is an example of the nanny state at it's worst. Absolutely Reaganesque.

gazza · Post by **gazza** » Fri May 30, 2008 4:01 pm

Looks like someone at the L A times wants to throw some business to Mr. Dillman.

Good on them.

G

Zim · Post by **Zim** » Sat May 31, 2008 3:06 am

I agree with the government on this one. Drug references should not be on common items like that.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to have a Coke.

karl package · Post by **karl package** » Sat May 31, 2008 3:30 am

How far north are you going in Oregon?

piccini9 · Post by **piccini9** » Sat May 31, 2008 4:46 am

coke?

Post by **Beemer Dan** » Sat May 31, 2008 11:48 am

WOW! I'm glad we didn't name ourselves the Underground Smoke Pot Motorcycle Cult! I just can't even wrap my head around how incredibly stupid, fucked up and wrong this shit is!

I don't know about everyone else, but I only drink beer because I'm thirsty! None of that horrid druggie lifestyle for me!

I'm going to go slam my dick in the refrigetator door now because that's the only thing that makes any sense!

FUCK!!!!

AAAAGGGHHHH!!!!!!!

ooh....bacon

Zer0 · Post by **Zer0** » Sat May 31, 2008 12:51 pm

Bigshankhank wrote:"Smack My Ass and Call me Sally"

Awesome

Zer0 · Post by **Zer0** » Sat May 31, 2008 12:54 pm

Rabbit_Fighter wrote:Beer ain't exactly vitamins folks!

Says who?

Zer0 · Post by **Zer0** » Sat May 31, 2008 12:59 pm

guitargeek wrote:This is where I come down on the libertarian side of things. I like big government for big things like highways, the military, the space program, big science, education, etc, because we need big muscle and consistency across the board for these things.

This, though, is an example of the nanny state at it's worst. Absolutely Reaganesque.

100% with you, GG

Zer0 · Post by **Zer0** » Sat May 31, 2008 1:01 pm

karl package wrote:How far north are you going in Oregon?

Ashland. BUT one of these days, I'll be up PDX ways to see friends. I'll let y'all know, cool?

Post by **DerGolgo** » Sat May 31, 2008 1:02 pm

Rabbit_Fighter wrote: Beer ain't exactly vitamins folks!

Vitamins in 1 Liter of beer:

B1 (Thiamin) 0,03–0,04 mg
B2 (Riboflavin) 0,3–0,4 mg
B6 (Pyridoxin) 0,4–0,9 mg
H (Biotin) 0,005 mg
Niacin 6–9 mg
Folic Acid 0,04–0,8 mg
Pantothenic acid 0,9–1,5 mg

Groove · Post by **Groove** » Sun Jun 01, 2008 11:30 am

Rabbit_Fighter wrote: Beer ain't exactly vitamins folks!

Fuck You! Beer is a vegetable!!!

Zer0 · Post by **Zer0** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 7:24 pm

Rabbit's getting pummelled here.

Zer0 · Post by **Zer0** » Sat Nov 27, 2010 5:04 pm

Belated update. I heard about it when it happened, but forgot to post until now. Blame the legal weed. Link

WEED FOUGHT THE LAW AND WEED WON!

Try Legal Weed - About the Weed Ales Bottle Caps

"Mt. Shasta Brewing Co. is a small microbrewery located in Weed, CA (40 miles south of the Oregon border on interstate 5, off exit 747). We brew beers that carry the name of our geographic area and its people. Abner Weed Amber Ale (founder of the town of Weed and a CA state Senator); Weed Golden Ale (named after the town), Mountain High IPA (because MSBC sits high on the apron of Mt. Shasta); Shastafarian Porter(named for the many groups that focus on our great Mt. Shasta); and Lemurian Lager (named after the elusive beings in local folklore who inhabit Mt. Shasta).

MSBC has been producing and selling our famous kegged beer since 2003, and bottles since 2004. Our first labels had generic bottle caps. The "Try Legal Weed" bottle caps were the brainchild of entrepreneurs of the business. The first challenge came when the largest national bottle company, who produces the bottle caps, challenged our message. However, attorneys for the company agreed our caps were not encouraging drug use and were legal to produce. And so, MSBC began putting these caps on their bottles to the amusement of many patrons. MSBC developed a new beer that was very popular in the brewery, Lemurian Lager, and decided to produce it in bottles. When the label application was submitted to ATF, they refused to approve our label, due to the wording on the bottle cap, as they felt it made an illegal reference to drug use. MSBC asked ATF to reconsider their opinion since corporate attorneys who reviewed our slogan had approved its production.

Our brewery is located in Weed, and MSBC is trying to encourage people to buy legal, not illegal product. ATF refused to change their decision. The bottle cap is not allowed on our Lemurian Lager bottles! The label was resubmitted with a blank bottle cap and received ATF approval. MSBC then sent letters to Congressional representatives who requested ATF reconsider their decision. ATF said they would and will publish their opinion within 45 days. A letter from our local supervisor requesting ATF approve the bottle cap made it into the hands of a local newspaper and the rest is history!

Thank you for your support of our small California town and our famous name-WEED!"

Vaune & Barbara Dillmann
Mt. Shasta Brewing Company Owners

"We brew fantastically delicious beer with pure tasty mountain spring water. We put pride and love in every pint and bottle we create, and we urge everyone to give it a try! Our product is legal and it is brewed, filled and capped in Weed, not with weeds. Although, chamomile and dandelions would make an interesting ale..."

Josh Riggs
Weed Brewer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

8.8.8 Update

To each and everyone of you, locally, across the United States, and around the world, who supported our "Try Legal Weed" bottle caps:

The Mt. Shasta Brewing Company THANKS YOU!

Whether you sent us a personal message, contacted TTB, told your family or friends, contributed to our TTB appeal by purchasing some of our products, or just shook your head in disbelief, we wholeheartedly thank you for your unanimous, unwavering support. The Mt. Shasta Brewing Co. proudly announces that TTB has granted our "Try Legal Weed" bottle cap appeal. TTB only asks us to formally apply again to use our logo and slogan.

On August 4, 2008, we recieved a certified letter from TTB stating, "Based on the context of the entire label, we agree that the phrase in question refers to the brand name of the product and does not mislead consumers." After all of this, TTB now acknowledges Weed is our town existing legally within the United States and is not a drug reference! YES!

WEED FOUGHT THE LAW AND WEED WON!

All of us at Mt. Shasta Brewing Co. are celebrating our success. It could not have been accomplished without your support! Our bottles will once again be adorned with our famous "Try Legal Weed" bottle caps. Please ask for our Weed Ales and Lagers at your local ales and lager establishments.

Cheers to you all and God bless our America!

SomeMook · Post by **SomeMook** » Sat Nov 27, 2010 6:51 pm

Sisyphus · Post by **Sisyphus** » Sat Nov 27, 2010 7:09 pm

I'm surprised they haven't cracked down on Dead Guy Ale.

Seriously.

Metalredneck · Post by **Metalredneck** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 11:36 am

Sisyphus wrote:I'm surprised they haven't cracked down on Dead Guy Ale.

Seriously.

One of our local brewewries has Malted Corpse Ale.

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Idiot Big Brother morons

Idiot Big Brother morons

Fuck yeah!