Pubdate: Tue, 20 Nov 2001
Source: Tallahassee Democrat (FL)
Copyright: 2001 Tallahassee Democrat.
Contact:  http://www.tdo.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/444
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1936/a03.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/ashcroft.htm (Ashcroft, John)

ASHCROFT'S DISREGARD FOR THE CONSTITUTION IS LUDICROUS

As noted in Ellen Goodman's excellent Nov. 16 column ("Why did John 
Ashcroft pick this fight?" syndicated column), Attorney General John 
Ashcroft is attempting to undermine Oregon's assisted suicide law and 
California's medical marijuana law. Both laws were passed by ballot 
initiative and are protected by the Constitution's 10th Amendment.

Ashcroft seems to have it in for the terminally ill. The Los Angeles 
medical marijuana club that was raided was renowned for its stringent 
requirements and the inability of federal agents to conduct sting 
operations by posing as patients. More than 900 cancer and AIDS patients 
depended on marijuana to help them combat nausea and keep food down. They 
will now be forced to buy marijuana on the street. Ashcroft's 
ideology-driven priorities would seem ludicrous even without the 
all-too-real threat of international terrorism. His complete disregard for 
the Constitution and willingness to force terminally ill patients to endure 
unnecessary suffering is unconscionable.

ROBERT SHARPE

Program Officer

The Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy

Foundation http://www.drugpolicy.org
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MAP posted-by: Beth