Davis: Setting the record straight
By JT Davis
Steve Kubby recently posted an op-ed piece, personally attacking me and my father. I am here to set the record straight once and for all. First, I have never made any threats to Kubby or his safety as a resident of Lake Tahoe. Second, just because I choose to work in a particular profession, I was writing my opinions as a concerned citizen of Lake Tahoe.
Last I checked Lake Tahoe is as much my town as Kubby’s. I was born and raised in the community, own a home, pay taxes and am raising my family in this community.
JT Davis
I am very concerned with what Kubby’s agenda is for Lake Tahoe. I do not want Lake Tahoe becoming the Marijuana Mecca and I am very uncomfortable with my children growing up and believing that getting high, smoking marijuana or engaging in the use of controlled substances is either acceptable or responsible.
I never made any comments regarding my profession and never targeted Kubby legally, yet he decided to write in his piece that he is very concerned because of the particular job that I do. Kubby also stated he was very concerned because the comments I made are accusations and have somehow mounted to a racial or ethical slander. Mr. Kubby, I am not a racist and think it’s very low and disgusting that you made such a claim. I guess the truth and facts hurt when they are not what you want exposed. You claim I made incriminating and inflammatory comments about you smoking 12 joints a day. Yet you admitted in your You Tube video entitled “The Steve Kubby Story Part 1” “there it is, 1.3 grams, the standard Kubby joint.” In addition to that, the article piece stated that you smoke up to one dozen [12] joints each day. You smile and brag about how your favorite strain of marijuana is a special blend from Ecuador.
Like I said I guess using your own facts and words are used against you, it’s too much to handle. But so the readers and you see that I’m not making anything up, and simply using your own words. The comments are made at 3minutes and 18 seconds into the clip.
Kubby says he supports the First Amendment and doesn’t support personal attacks, yet he has turned around and personally attacked me knowing very little to nothing about who I am or what I do.
Mr. Kubby, discourse is a two-way street and it now seems that you support the First Amendment only when it benefits or paints you in a positive light.
My father and I never slandered or smeared you during the campaign. Last I checked our campaign focused on why Tom (Davis) was the right leader to lead on the City Council, we focused on his credentials, experience and vision for the community. Also you came in seventh or eighth out of 11 candidates, and lost by more than a small number of votes, so your conspiracy theory that we somehow ran a smear campaign against you can’t be further from the truth.
As I recall, it was Steve Kubby that continued to bring the marijuana issue up during the campaign and at the forums and linked every issue to marijuana.
Finally, you really don’t understand the law like you think that you do. First, it is still illegal in all 50 states to drive under the influence of alcohol, Rx drugs, marijuana and other controlled substances. Many of those who are medical marijuana patients feel that their status gives them the right to do what they want and even drive while intoxicated. Three in five DUIs are now marijuana and not alcohol related. Additionally, to prove a DUI, impairment must be observed and proven, simply having aged marijuana metabolites in your system will not prove DUI.
I take my profession very seriously and am very professional in what I do. If you lived in my jurisdiction and I was called to your residence to handle an issue or crime, I would treat you with the respect that all citizens deserve and would be thorough and professional in conducting my job.
Being a marijuana patient doesn’t give anyone the right to think they are above the law. Marijuana is illegal in Nevada and many other states and it is illegal to be in possession and to use the substance. As a libertarian your position should be to protect and respect states’ rights.
Lastly, I will not be censured as you emailed my dad and asked him to censure me. I respect and support the Constitution and the laws of the land, but I will point out and enforce the loopholes that people use to their advantage, or those that people abuse and/or take advantage of.
My dad is both very disappointed and upset regarding your comments. Yet, my dad has some other serious concerns with you but he is willing to sit down and discuss with you personally.
Now I hope the record is set straight.
JT Davis was campaign manager for his father, Tom Davis, who successfully ran for South Lake Tahoe City Council in November 2010.
Contrary to this statement by JT Davis, I did not attack him or his father personally, only actions taken by him, which I politely attributed to the Politics of Pot. I even said that he was probably a dedicated and hard working deputy and that under other circumstances I thought we could be good friends.
I meant what I said.
This misunderstanding offers a excellent opportunity for all of us to show some real leadership and reach a public understanding that although we may disagree on the issues, we will continue to show mutual respect to each other.
Please understand that these issues are extremely critical to all medical marijuana patients. Perhaps if Deputy Davis had cancer, as I do, and his home was invaded by 20 heavily armed agents who tore his life and his family apart, over something that was eventually dismissed, perhaps then he would understand the very real fear that comes with using a medicine that keeps you alive, but makes you a target of police.
The Coyote Grill has sent an invitation to Councilman Tom Davis, Deputy JT Davis and myself to attend a beer summit. I don’t consume alcohol, but if a root beer will count, I am officially accepting the offer of the Coyote Grill and look forward to the meeting.
Steve Kubby
P.S. I’m glad to learn that Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies are trained that there must be evidence of impairment, before they can make an arrest for marijuana DUI. Unfortunately, that was not the experience of Shira Garfinkel who was convicted in Incline Justice Court in June of 2010 for being over the legal limit of a marijuana metabolite, which is the “inactive” substance the body produces to get rid of marijuana’s active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Garfinkel was stopped for speeding on Tahoe Boulevard early in 2010 and charged with driving with a prohibited amount of a prohibited substance. She has a doctor-approved cannabis card that allows her to use the drug, under California law. The case was appealed to the Nevada Supreme Court which ruled last month that this California woman who legally smoked marijuana in her home state and then drove across the Nevada state line with an “inactive” marijuana metabolite in her system still is guilty under the state’s impaired driving law.
Nevada high court rejects pot user’s driving bid
http://www.rgj.com/article/20101223/NEWS/12230314/1321/Nevada-high-court-rejects-pot-user-s-driving-bid
This is sounding like a couple of oversized children playing ‘mine’s bigger than yours’ in a public forum. I think this entire discourse should be handled face-to-face.
Hashing out these differences publicly only manages to make both of you look petty and vindictive. Deal with it in private and, if you feel the need, publish the outcome so we will all know it is over.
Amen!
Public accusations are serious, I see no fault for J.T. to defend himself, I’m glad he did! being a lifelong Tahoe resident,(I’m forty-something), I don’t like people arriving out of nowhwere trying to change the landscape of Tahoe and bringing controversy to our peace. I could list many people who have managed thier way to Tahoe over the past few decades and after causing damage to our community, they leave and could care less about the disruption they were responsible for to our home, our town, our lives. I do not know Steve personally, however, as everyone else can learn all about him, I have learned some over the past election run of Steve’s. For me, I see Steve as another person wishing to use Tahoe as a stepping stone for his gain, to manipulate the enviornment around himself to better suit his needs. I don’t like what he wants to accomplish in our community. I do know J.T. personnaly and have watched him grow from a teenager to an upstanding individual willing to put himself in danger to protect you or anyone else in need of immediate law. An S.O. Deputy is not a mandatory step in life, to be a Deputy is a choice an individual makes… individuals who are interested in helping others. And if you were to know J.T. Davis at all, you would know that he is that type of person, he is not racist, he does not make vindictive threats, it’s absurd to hear someone like Steve claim such garbage. For me Steve is…”WHO”??? some stranger that wants to take advantage of a small unsuspecting community and try to use it as his stepping stone??? No, I hope no one listens to Kubby, he’s not right. I might be twice J.T.’s age, but he’s probably a better citizen for Tahoe than I am and I’m super good for it, my kids live here too! Finally…To Steve, you just said in your statement above that the medicinal pot “keeps you alive”, brother, I’ve been on pain meds for so very long…very long! not once has a “joint” touched my lips, no “pot” has ever kept anyone alive, it may or may not help with your individual circumstances, for my Grandmother who died from cancer, she did find relief with Pot, she lived with us during that period, but the stuff didn’t keep her alive…Don’t over exaggerate it man.
Kubby you began this circus now have the courage to stop. Your a pot advocate, we get it but please understand not everyone agrees with your view and many people have different opinions on marijuana. Your “poor me” routine is really wearing thin.
I agree that Kubby started this thing and thinks that everyone should think like him. I too do not want Tahoe to be known for the pot shops and I feel the laws in California are a joke, anyone can get a card and many do just to be able to smoke pot, I also believe that there are some who do need it and I accept that. I have stress in my life every day and don’t have to drink or smoke pot, its called life!!!!!!!
Those who believe in using violence, in using oppression, to curb what they believe is a harmful (although proven to be victimless by the majority of americans, hooray democracy) HABIT/MEDICATION, have demonstrated that they do not have the mental capacity to look beyond their own prejudices and accept that others are different and wish to live peacefully in their own manner.
I laugh at jt davis and his veiled attempt of micro-fascism, as well as his copper buddies posting fake responses.
Steve Kubby is representing a majority of people who live in such fear from tyrannical power of the cops that they dare not speak out.
Come gather round children, where ever you roam, and admit that the waters around you have grown.
Sorry to say, the times have changed, people no longer fear of believe the false propaganda, marijuana acceptance and use is on the rise.
people like you will only be remembered as the Strom Thrumond of civil rights.
Like Gandhi had predicted, your aggressive attacks on otherwise law abiding peaceful citizens who are simply trying to bring about a change that is very much needed, only highlight and display your monster within.
I laugh at your inability to see the future, the truth, while I light up my very illegal joint in the sate of Virginia.
I like the root beer summit idea.
I don’t know either man personally, but generally cops have to be great liars in order to do their jobs and more often then not the power that a police office has goes to his head. I know that there are exceptions to this rule and JT Davis may be one of them for all I know. It is a bit unsettling that a deputy is working on a campaign. I don’t think that it would be a stretch for JT Davis to believe he is protecting Tahoe by harassing Kubby.
As I said I don’t know either man personally and all the information I have is from this website.
Jt- can you simply explain to me, your justification of using concussion grenades and killing pet dogs during cop raids?
Mr Davis, Mr Kubby is a leader in a medical industry. I don’t live in your beautiful town, but if I were tto visit, I would like to know Ca state law applies and I do not have to be afraid. You may just see the ‘recreational’ part of Mj, but it is medicine for many people. I do not support crime . petty or otherwise, and I do not support uneducated enforcement officers turning patients into victims. We do need debate on the issue, it is no minor thing, but informed debate. Mr Kubby’s condition may require the dose he once shared. My dose is between my doc and myself, you need a warrant for that info, and thats the law. Let me know when SLT is safe for me. And do you have nepotism in the police dept. ? Not healthy for the community.
DAVIS- You are wrong about everything, I know you don’t think so, so I thought id just take this opportunity to let you know that this ONE individual thinks your gravely mistaken, I’m sure many more will come to agree, I just aim to be a drop in the ocean that’s to come.
As a Tahoe resident, I’ll be sure to publicly denounce you and your father every chance I get, with every ounce of strength I have, with every single person that joins in the righteous cause.
O.k., so I read Steve Kubby’s piece at https://www.laketahoenews.net/2011/01/kubby-attacks-from-deputy-candidates-manager-unwarranted/, and without knowing everything that went down, it sure sounds to me like he WAS indeed the target of a smear campaign. Twelve joints a day? Seriously?
And Brian, I don’t know about your grandmother, nor would I wish ill on you or her (may she rest in peace). But if you don’t think medical marijuana can keep people alive, you should go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_McWilliams and see what happened to Peter McWilliams when he was denied medical marijuana. Compare this to Kubby’s story at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Kubby.
Frankly, if Nevada’s going to throw cancer patients in jail, I see no need to take myself (or my money) there at all.
Tahoe wouldn’t have to be “known for pot shops” if pot itself was simply LEGAL. People like some of you commenters above are part of the problem.
Cops like JT who think flash-bang grenades and killing family pets for the sake of a pot-bust are justified are part of the problem.
Keep talking. I may have to move to Tahoe and be Kubby’s neighbor.
And yours.
This “drug war” nonsense needs to end. Now. It’s not about Tahoe. It’s about all of us.
Brian: you are not a doctor, are you? If you’re not, then you should cease with your ill-informed medical opinions as to whether Steve Kubby is over exaggerating his illness.
Here is a quote from his former doctor, Vincent DeQuattro of the USC Medical Center when he asked that Steve not be denied cannabis:
“Please consider the consequences of Steve’s condition not being controlled. His tumor is manufacturing large quantities of norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and possibly epinephrine (adrenaline). Either compound in minute quantities could kill him instantly by causing sudden cardiac death due to arrhythmia or acute myocardial infarction, or sudden death due to cerebral hemorrhage or cerebral vascular occlusion.”
Google is a wonderful thing. You should try it sometime without making asinine allegations and unfounded medical opinions.
Whether someone uses medical cannabis is frankly none of your business and not your right to decide whether *anyone* should have access. This anti-human attitude some people have about medical cannabis is about as irrational as one can get and people like Brian should be called out on it. Your position would only harm sick people and that’s a viewpoint that deserves nothing but contempt from humane, civilized people.
I’m with Tahoe Mountain Climber and tahoekaren!
From this moment forward…I stop the blame game and excuses. I am responsible for my life and for where I am today. I cannot blame the people and circumstances in my past, and I refuse to hide behind my past mistakes.
~Lance Wubbels
I attended one of three forums, Kubby did not mention MMJ once. Several cannidates did, including Tom Davis to attack Kubby. Davis even stood up and said “this man is dangerous” to rebut Kubby’s comments regarding the lack of economic awareness and engagment of our panel. Kubby never went out and attacked Davis during the elections he was primarily attacking the TRPA (federal government agency)! Sick of hearing from “locals” who don’t want this town going to shambles b/c of pot. Guess what locals: the town is in shambles b/c of your lack of drive and vision over the last 20 years locals! If we all smoked 12 joints a day we might think as clearly as Kubby. As for me I’ll smoke 13.
Isn’t it time “locals” on both sides of this issue shut the heck up and do something productive with their own lives and for the betterment of South Lake Tahoe?
Our town is in shambles because the “locals” spend more time bickering and pointing fingers than working.
Marijuana will not be the savior or the demise of SLT–but pessimism and apathy has already proven itself to be and yet it’s still thicker than ever.
If you’re complaining while not contributing to our local economy (yes, that means working and spending money here) please leave.
If you’re complaining and contributing you’ve earned that right–but forums don’t create change. Open your minds, learn more about both sides and get involved.
The town/city of SLT should be a reflection of the amazing environment that surrounds us. Until we get over the current “local” mentality (apathy and fear of change) we’ll never realize that.
We all want a thriving economy and a better SLT–so let’s make it happen!
My newspaper has been hijacked, and I will have to seek “News” elsewhere :(
Good Grief Charlie Brown… I did not say that Steve was over exaggerating his illness, rather the scripted use of pot. T.H.C. is not scripted for that purpose, just relief. As for your asking me to visit the hyperlinks… I did so, but I had not come to a conclusion that the lack of use in his illness was the determined cause of death. Look, I don’t wish any harm for Steve, I hope he has full recovery, as a matter of fact, Steve should look into a book titled “Cancer is a fungus”, it could be what the doctors aren’t telling him. I just don’t care for Steve’s stand on pot and Tahoe, I don’t care for people to say the things they are saying about J.T. when they don’t even know him. and… we live in California, not Nevada.
As for Sean in Virginia… I’m no “cop”, I am an honest person with valid concerns about my home, I am an honest person listening to people talk about J.T. as if it is HIS decision to send in the dogs, or to use non lethal force… J.T. is a Deputy, not a Commander. J.T. serves and protects, he does not call the shots…no pun intended.
And Gene Trosper… Medical MJ is not used for saving lives… word it however you want, I stand by my “assinine” statement. I also think you know Steve very well and as I would stand up for J.T. you would stand up for him, but don’t think for a moment Doctors wont write anything you ask them. Doctors and Lawyers are paid by the people to do what we need. And if Steve needed that note said that way, then it is not out of the question, nor is it wrong, for the doctor to do so. However, if you use Google to research either of those naturally occuring compounds in the body, you could begin to question the note written by the good doctor.
As for all of you all turning this into a discussion about pot… it’s not, it’s about J.T. and his standing up for his namesake.
brain- i was not talking to you, if i wanted to, you would know. and there was no question about his use of dogs, but rather is keeness on shooting dogs.
lol @ your contradictions, obvious in your two posts. i will no longer waste my time on you.
I also agree with Tahoe Mountain Climber, TahoeKaren and Jason.
This kind of nasty discourse does nothing constructive to resolve the issues that our community is facing.
Get over it already!!!
What was the outcome of the Cole/Davis Brown Act ???
I’ll not bother to read this formerly interesting on-line news if it continues to be about Kubby and his rants, JT’s diatribes in support of this dada, and tripe like that. The election is over, and Jr. needs to pay attention to his job and his life, his dada can take care of himself. And Steve, like Ted, should just go away.
As I was leaving the gym this morning, I couldn’t help but notice the military jets who dot our skies almost daily this time of year spraying chemtrails that ruin my clear blue Tahoe skies. The same thing is happening all over the planet by the way. You’d think there would be more concern over what the government is up too than playing cops and robber stories here. JT. I’d like to file a report about these government aircraft. By the way – not weather mod, cloud seeding or scheduled daily flight paths. I’ve done my homework. I also think your father should be able to take care of himself. Steve. I wouldn’t elect my best friend to public office if they altered their mind on a daily basis. Sorry Kub. Go start another project outside of the public sector. You’d really being doing yourself a favor.
People are so wrapped up in taking sides that they are missing the seriousness of the issues being addressed here.
On October 17, 2010 I wrote an opinion piece for the Lake Tahoe News that included a deeply disturbing video of a drug raid showing agents shooting the family dog with a 7-year-old boy present — even though no drugs were ever found. The video may be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbwSwvUaRqc
Writing anonymously as “Cowboy25,” someone responded to the shocking video I posted with this even more shocking comment, defending the use of extreme violence by drug police: “Fl;ash [sic] bangs are designed to disorintate [sic] and confuse the occupants in a confined location, giving the police the element of surprise, its also been back [sic] up by the Supreme Court that during SWAT raids, the offers [sic] in certain situations need not knock before entering.”
Now we have learned that Cowboy 25 is none other than Douglas County Deputy Sheriff JT Davis, who served as campaign manager for his father, Council Member Tom Davis. Does this comment mean that Deputy Davis endorses the use of concussion grenades, “No Knock Entry” and shooting family dogs as acceptable behavior in marijuana raids?
More importantly, does his father, Councilman Tom Davis also subscribe to these violent views? Sick, disabled and dying patients who legally use and cultivate medical marijuana deserve to know.
Kubby,
Geez enough is enough, give it a rest you keep going and going and going. From what I can see Davis made his point whether we agree or disagree with it, but it’s you who keeps pushing this issue and it’s making you look weak. The comments never attacked you personally they only called you out on comments made. Give it a rest
Now will be my final blog on this, as I agree with many, it’s become too childish. I will ask in final closing,(on my behalf), Steve; Others; Why seemingly target a Deputy or a Council member for upholding a LAW, is it really that shocking of a comment for “Cowboy 25”,(J.T.),to explain the use of equipment during the enforcement of LAW. Are all of you all having trouble with following the LAW? Look, it just seems because people are doing thier job, you target them. If the “LAW” is not as you like it to be, then do more of what you have been doing, but take it to the LAW MAKERS… not the people who follow the law. If the “LAW” of the land restricts a law enforcement agent from using certain devices or restricts them from protecting themselves from a dog…then the agent will not use these methods, but until then, don’t try to make something from nothing when an agent who enforces the “LAW” explains why and how these devices are used, doing so just makes you look like you wish not to follow the law rather than be a law abiding citizen. I’m not saying you are not a law abiding citizen, but in doing so it makes you LOOK like that. As I said, if you all have problems with the law, go to congress and lobby for what you need, rather than try to spin words or actions on those doing thier jobs, it wont get us anywhere but here! I will not post again, I will however give you the last word if you should choose to do so… I will read it, it’s only fair. I might even politely & quietly attend a “Beer Summit”, though I like yourself, do not drink Alcohol.
Thank you and sorry for the possible childlike conduct, I think it’s wrong for people to stereo type J.T. just because the world has a few questionable officers out there. J.T. is good for Tahoe and to get back to the whole article that started all this, he does not abuse his position nor make threats,(in my opinion), he does his job as he is told and if need be, he would protect anyone of you should the situation arise, he’s very professional that way, he’s not some Yahoo.
Again, no personal attacks intended on my behalf, I just did not like what I saw…that’s all.
I like Tahoe as it is, the alcohol and gambling mecca.
This controversy is bringing out what I think Kae is striving for, that is, citizen participation by way of emails to the editor.
It is about time for Tom to defend Tom.
Ron did not defend Daddy Ron.
George did not defend Daddy H.W.
Liz makes a fool out of herself defending Daddy Dick.
Kae watch your back when in Nevada. I recall telling you to watch your back years ago in SLT.What goes around comes around.
Alex, usually you have constructive things to contribute but this post is not one of them. While we or I appreciate your posts you do not live here and continue to poke your blogs into our business which is ok.
George did not defend Daddy H.W.
The hell he didn’t. I spent 21 years in the military and it was common knowledge that GW went after Sadam because his daddy didn’t finish and Sadam put out a hit on his dad. The son will avenge the father. There was NO reason to go after Sadam. Wrong person wrong country.
Kae watch your back when in Nevada.
Stupid statement.
I don’t see now this is nonsensical. Kubby just pointed out that a local deputy supported the actions and brutality of the cops in the above video by uncovering his avatar. I hope they don’t confuse my address with a real criminal and shoot my dog and throw grenades at my kids.
This morning I find myself thankful.
Indeed, very thankful that the voters of South Lake Tahoe did not select Kubby to serve on the City Council. He was clearly a single-issue candidate.
Imagine the ongoing drama that would have diverted attention from the really important issues facing the community had the election results been different.
People, let’s get a focus here!