cannabisnews.com: Don't Let Congress Undermine Democracy in DC





Don't Let Congress Undermine Democracy in DC
Posted by FoM on September 29, 1999 at 11:58:51 PT
Action Alert
Source: ACLU
Calling restrictions added by Congress "highly objectionable," President Clinton has vetoed the annual spending bill for the District of Columbia.
In a strongly worded veto message, Clinton called on Congress to remove several provisions that "undermine the ability of residents of the District of Columbia to make decisions about local matters."Among the objectionable items mentioned in the Clinton veto message was a new amendment introduced by Rep. Bob Barr, R-GA, that would have continued to undermine the democratic process in the District by trying to stop a voter referendum that permits physicians to authorize the use of marijuana for the relief of extremely painful symptoms in their patients. Another provision cited by the President was an anti-needle exchange amendment introduced by Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-KS, that would forbid the District of Columbia from spending even its own money on needle exchange programs. Thank President Clinton for his veto and continue to urge Congress to end its unwarranted intrusion into the rights and responsibilities of DC residents. Support Democracy in the District of ColumbiaCongress must not intrude into the affairs of DC residents through heavy-handed restrictions on needle exchange programs and the use of medical marijuana. The Barr amendment, for example, attacks a voter initiative that permits physicians to authorize the use of marijuana for the relief of extremely painful symptoms in their patients. The referendum passed with 69 percent support of the DC voters--and won in every one of the District's 140 precincts.Widespread evidence demonstrates that marijuana can be used medically to ease the pain of people with diseases like AIDS and cancer. But the Barr amendment is so vaguely written that it would place into question the ability of doctors to prescribe currently legal prescription drugs like Marinol, which is a tetrahydrocannabinols derivative. Good public health should come firstAt least seven federally funded scientific studies have determined that needle exchange programs can help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS without promoting drug use. Barring funding for the exchange of used hypodermic needles for clean ones does nothing to stop drug use, but it does quicken the spread of HIV and AIDS. TAKE ACTION!Fax President Clinton and your Members of Congress Today!Last updated or verified on September 28, 1999Newshawk: Peter McWilliamshttp://www.mcwilliams.com/AIDS Patient Pins Hopes on Pot Ruling - 9/20/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread2951.shtmlACLU Action Alerthttp://www.aclu.org/action/dcmed106.htmlPresident Vetoes D.C. Budget Bill - 9/28/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread3057.shtml
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on September 29, 1999 at 13:56:15 PT
Of Course Your Links Helped!
Dankhank, I am very sure that the links on your page helped. That is the wonder of having a web page and being able to let people know that we need change and very badly! Keep up the good work!Peace, FoM!
My Medical Marijuana Page
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Comment #1 posted by Dankhank on September 29, 1999 at 13:12:08 PT:
Hoooooooorayyyyyyyyy!
I hope that the links on MY links page helped in the e-mail campaign to ask for the veto.In any case, I am happy that the President did the deed ...I agree ...Thank the Pres for his wisdom in the veto ...I will ...Peace ... and "Fight the fight for sanity!"
Hemp n Stuff
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