cannabisnews.com: Protesters Strive To Snuff Out Opposition Protesters Strive To Snuff Out Opposition Posted by CN Staff on May 03, 2003 at 20:19:08 PT By Record-Eagle Staff Writer Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle Traverse City -- Nearly 50 marijuana law reform activists turned out for the "Traverse City Million Marijuana March," with banners, signs and drums to parade through downtown Traverse City for 45 minutes Saturday. Shouting slogans and chants, the marchers drew numerous honks of support from passing drivers, a few shouts of encouragement and the occasional one-finger salute from those who opposed them. Ben Pelch of Benzonia and his wife Rosalie were among the demonstrators. Ben Pelch said he got involved in the legalization movement over the past two years after he moved to the area. Rosalie, laughing, described herself as "a suburban housewife in a patriotic (red, white and blue) outfit but with the heart of a pagan." They became friends with Steve Thompson, a Universal Life Church minister and one of the leaders of the Benzie NORML chapter. Thompson said Traverse City was one of more than 200 communities holding marches over the weekend and that the "million" in the event name referred to all who were expected to turn out nationwide. Thompson said recreational use of marijuana should be a personal decision and he has no objection to reasonable restrictions like those for consuming alcohol. What's not right, he said, is to jail people for recreational use and to ban any use of the hemp plant for medicinal or other legitimate purposes. Shoppers and tourists had mixed reactions to the demonstration. "I think everybody has a right to free speech and it's a good thing," said Tracy Rucinski of New Baltimore, who was shopping along Front Street as the marchers passed by. She was quick to say she didn't use marijuana but added, "I think everyone should be able to decide for themselves." Mike Montgomery of East Lansing, strolling through downtown with his wife Heidi as the demonstrators went by, said simply, "Legalize it, tax it and take care of the deficit." Connie Barkley of Traverse City had to take a moment to explain what was going on to her young daughter as demonstrators waved sings with "Free the Weed" and "No War on Pot" nearby. "I think that it's OK for them to say what they want but I think it's a bad thing for the community and for tourism here," she said. "I also think it's a bad thing to advocate use, especially with children around. They have their points and right to say what they want but I don't think marching around is a good idea." The march and a later rally at the Shimmers Lounge at Holiday Inn West Bay was sponsored by the Benzie County chapter of the NORML, a national lobby group seeking reform of marijuana laws, and the Michigan Cannabis Action Network.Note: 200 areas were to hold pro-pot marches. Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle (MI)Published: May 4, 2003Copyright: 2003 The Traverse City Record-EagleContact: letters record-eagle.comWebsite: http://www.record-eagle.com/Benzie CountyNORML of Benzie CountyDirector - Steve ThompsonPhone: (231) 882-9721Email: benziecounty mi4norml.orgMichigan Marijuana Marcheshttp://www.geocities.com/legalizemichigan/Million Marijuana Marchhttp://www.millionmarijuanamarch.comMillion Marijuana March News 2003http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/million.htmCannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Post Comment