Pubdate: Fri, 15 Dec 2000
Source: Austin American-Statesman (TX)
Copyright: 2000 Austin American-Statesman
Contact:  P. O. Box 670 Austin, Texas 78767
Fax: 512-445-3679
Website: http://www.austin360.com/statesman/editions/today/
Author: Steve Helms
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

NO FIGHTER FOR CAUSE

The more I study the potential benefits of medical marijuana to relieve 
pain, the more disgusted I become with Texas' drug policy.

No Texas legislator is willing to carry the torch for medical marijuana, 
and the state legislature has prevented any public initiatives to place 
this issue on the ballot. When people are in pain or are terminally ill, 
who are we to prevent them access to something that might improve the 
quality of their lives?

Who are we to disregard what is going on elsewhere with respect to medical 
marijuana? The federal response to medical marijuana is a clear "no." 
Unfortunately, Texas' U.S. senators as well as my representative are as 
unenlightened as the Clinton administration. They say we will be sending 
the wrong message to children. Legislation that helps alleviate suffering 
sends the right message to children--that we have a caring and 
compassionate society.

STEVE HELMS Southlake
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MAP posted-by: Terry F