Pubdate: Fri, 28 Jan 2000
Source: Watertown Daily Times (NY)
Copyright: 2000 Watertown Daily Times
Contact:  260 Washington Street  Watertown , New York 13601-3364
Fax: 315-782-1040
Website: http://www.wdt.net
Author: Lee Monnet

WILL OF THE PEOPLE

Dear Editor;

This letter is in regards to the 01/21/00 Watertown Daily Times op-ed 
"Voter Apathy a Crack in the Foundation of Our Democracy".

I fully agree with the writer that the lack of voter participation could 
seriously undermine our democracy and individual freedoms. But, I can also 
understand how some feel that voting is futile.  A very good case in point 
is medical marijuana initiative 59 of the District of Columbia.

In November of 1998, 69% of the voters approved the use of marijuana for 
treatment of serious illness under a doctors supervision.  But, U.S. 
Representative Bob Barr (R-GA) rushed an amendment through congress 
prohibiting the city council from even tallying the results.

The votes weren't counted until September 1999 when a federal court ruled 
that Barr's legislation violated voters constitutional rights. Now Rep. 
Barr and Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH) has simultaneously introduced a 
formal "resolution of disapproval" to invalidate the new law.

When our elected officials have the audacity to circumvent the will of the 
people it is no wonder so many people become frustrated with our political 
representatives.

Sincerely;
Lee Monnet
Ogdensburg, NY
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