Pubdate: Fri, 16 Nov 2001 Source: Oregonian, The (OR) Copyright: 2001 The Oregonian Contact: http://www.oregonlive.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/324 Author: Tom Klein Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prop36.htm (Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/ashcroft.htm (Ashcroft, John) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) PROGRESSIVE DRUG LAWS THREATEN ATTORNEY GENERAL John Ashcroft [in citing the Supreme Court ruling that the federal Controlled Substances Act does not permit the medical use of marijuana] has disregarded what the medical community has been saying for more than 70 years: Cannabis is one of the safest and most therapeutic drugs known to man. The federal government has suppressed the testimony and professional medical opinions of countless doctors who have spoken truthfully about cannabis. Ashcroft has ignored the massive volume of medical facts about cannabis and spread deliberate misinformation through the media. He has neither the moral right nor the medical expertise to negate Oregon voters' wishes. Perhaps the real danger is not marijuana, but the threat of progressive drug laws to a conservative administration. Tom Klein, Northeast Portland - --- MAP posted-by: Josh