Pubdate: Sun, 06 Aug 2000
Source: Ogdensburg Journal/Advance News (NY)
Copyright: 2000 St. Lawrence County Newspapers Corp.
Address: P.O. Box 409, Ogdensburg, New York 13669
Website: http://www.ogd.com/
Author:  Lee Monnet
NOTE: Accepts LTEs by mail only! Must be signed w/phone#

RAPS MCHUGH (NY)

On March 10, 2000 I sent Congressman John McHugh (NY) a packet of 40
signed letters from his constituents asking him to reconsider the
current harsh marijuana drug laws. We also sent similar packets to
other politicians, some of which do not represent us. All of them sent
back letters to the petitioners except Congressman McHugh.

Perhaps the Congressman feels that these constituents don't deserve
any consideration because he believes that the punitive nature of
these laws is the way to deal with marijuana smokers. If these laws
were applied to the privileged 25 years ago many of our current public
office holders might not be holding office because of their youthful
indiscretions. I could not imagine Al Gore or George Bush doing 10-15
years for their drug possession.

Congressman McHugh there is a growing movement in this country to ease
the draconian drug laws. A prime example is the Shadow Convention
being held the first week in August in Philadelphia, PA. The purpose
of this convention is to address the current drug laws because the two
parties refuse to set politics aside and discuss the insanity of the
drug war.

In closing it is unfortunate we have to use letters to the editor to
expose our representative's unacceptable treatment of his constituents
but, I guess it is indicative of how government is treating the
citizens all over this country.

Lee Monnet
Libertarian
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