Pubdate: Thu, 23 Aug 2001 Source: Tulsa World (OK) Copyright: 2001 World Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.tulsaworld.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/463 Author: Scott McPherson SPECIAL CLASS OF CITIZENS? An Aug. 18 article, "Suspected pot `planted,' governor's aide jokes," about a pot plant growing at the governor's mansion in Denver, proves that government officials have become a special class of citizens. State workers removed what appeared to be a knee-high marijuana plant from a bed of bluebells and clover. The State Patrol called it a "look-alike" plant; experts at the Denver Botanic Gardens, however, said it was the genuine article. It's all been laughed away by the governor's spokesman, who quipped that "This is obviously a planted story." Funny. No arrests; no SWAT team kicking down the governor's front door; no seizure of the governor's assets; no conspiracy charges against his wife, aides, servants and groundskeepers. Common citizens get police-state tactics while elected officials get to send out their press agents to crack jokes. Some might ask, "Would you have a governor treated like a brutal criminal because of some marijuana on his property?" No -- and I wouldn't want anyone else treated that way, either. Scott McPherson, Tulsa - --- MAP posted-by: Josh