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Political Courage
Posted by FoM on January 08, 2000 at 18:00:08 PT
By Michael Barnes
Source: Fredrick News-Post
As a longtime supporter of Republican candidates in Frederick County, I commend Delegate David Brinkley's co-sponsorship of Donald Murphy's medical marijuana legislation. Far from being "political suicide"as this has been called by some of his fellow Republicans, I see this as political assurance of his re-election. 
Many government studies, as well as privately funded studies, have shown that marijuana can alleviate many symptoms of current treatments for a variety of illnesses, such as cancer and AIDS. He has shown that he has the courage to stand against the myths and propaganda that are commonly spread about the medicinal value of marijuana. Delegate Louise Snodgrass has said that she agrees with the concept but wants to wait until she sees the wording. I challenge her to put her vote where her beliefs are and co-sponsor this legislation, as any wording will be an improvement over the current prohibition on medicinal marijuana. I would also like to issue the same challenge to the other District 3 delegates and Senator Alex Mooney. Tai Venuti's letter to the editor is a perfect example of the myths and propaganda that have been spread by so-called "drug warriors" who aren't looking out for the best interest of the population, but only looking out for their own pocketbooks.Perhaps the most important point is that such legislation doesn't "send a message" of approval of the use of marijuana. Laws are not intended to "send a message." They are intended to protect and help the population at large. To continue to punish sick people for seeking relief, and improving their quality of life is not the message we want to send to the young people. Most young people are smart enough to see through the smoke and mirrors show put on by those opposed to helping sick people. Michael BarnesFrederickPublished: January 8, 2000Copyright 1997-00 Great Southern Printing and Manufacturing Company.Related Articles:Pro-MJ Group Looks to Reestablish at U. Maryland - 11/10/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread3624.shtmlSome Doctors and Patients Swear by Marijuana - 9/27/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread3038.shtmlThe Return Of Reefer Madness - 8/13/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread2467.shtmlCannabis News Medical Marijuana Archives:http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml
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