From change.org!
Was it Margaret Mead who said, "Never underestimate the power of 8,809 readers who care about criminal justice?" Okay, maybe not quite that. But I'm excited to announce that one story we've closely tracked here at Change.org -- CBS's refusal to accept a pro-marijuana legalization ad -- resulted in a victory this afternoon.
Last month, NORML reported that CBS had denied the group's request to place an ad in Times Square that touted the potential billions in taxes that would result from legalizing marijuana. Remember, this is a network that boasts marijuana-infused advertisements for their Showtime Network show, Weeds. It's also the network that was perfectly willing to air a controversial anti-abortion ad aimed at peak viewership during the Super Bowl. But still, somehow CBS decided that NORML's message (“Legalize Marijuana – Billions in Taxes”) would ruffle the network's too-delicate sensibilities.
In a Feb. 3 rejection email, NORML was told, "If CBS changes their morals we will let you know."
Well, it turns out that a month later, the network has decided to stop censoring NORML's message. This afternoon, our organizing director here at Change.org spoke with CBS's communication vice president, Shannon Jacobs. Jacobs told us that the network "communicated to the people who wanted to place the ad that they will accept the ad if they still want to run it."
Congratulations to NORML for winning this well-deserved turnaround -- and thanks to all the Change.org readers who helped rout CBS's decision.
http://criminaljustice.change.org/blog/view/cbs_reverses_decision_agrees...
What an awesome victory for legalization advocates nationwide! Thanks to everyone who took action via change.org to help make that possible.
From Robin Beck, Organizing Director, Change.org:
VICTORY! CBS Will Accept NORML Marijuana Legalization Ad
I’ve got big news!
You and more than 8000 others sent letters to CBS protesting the company’s decision to reject a marijuana legalization ad produced by NORML for a Times Square billboard, and we just heard that CBS has reversed its decision and will accept the ad!
I got the news yesterday from a senior CBS official and I think this is a great example of how we can take action online and get real-world results. So thank you to everyone who sent a letter and helped spread the word. You can read the update on our blog here: http://criminaljustice.change.org/blog/view/cbs_reverses_decision_agrees...
I hope you will consider starting your own petitions here at Change.org as you find issues where you’d like to have an impact. Anyone can start a petition in just couple of minutes and you can learn how here: http://www.change.org/petition
Once again, thank you for taking action and helping to hold CBS accountable.
Robin Beck
Organizing Director
Change.org
"Look, pal, we've always known—the Framers knew—that liberty is a fragile thing." - late Supreme Court Justice William Brennan