Pubdate: Fri, 23 Nov 2001
Source: Dallas Morning News (TX)
Copyright: 2001 The Dallas Morning News
Contact:  http://www.dallasnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/117
Author: Steve Helms

STATES' RIGHTS

I think the Nov. 13 Viewpoints column by David Dow, "Bush should back his 
language on states' rights," is right on the mark. If President Bush truly 
believes in states' rights, he needs to have a little heart-to-heart talk 
with Attorney General John Ashcroft. I'm a little surprised, however, that 
the author did not mention our senators, Phil Gramm and Kay Hutchison, who 
have used their time in Washington to consistently side with federal laws 
instead of promoting states' rights.

I support the right of states to determine if they want medical marijuana 
or assisted suicide. It would be nice if we Texans, who pride ourselves on 
home rule, could vote on medical marijuana. Unfortunately, our own Texas 
Legislature has outlawed a voter initiative on this subject. I guess that 
is one way for Texas politicians to prevent laws that have been driven by 
the initiative process in other states. Only a few Texas politicians even 
have the guts to support a Texas law allowing for a medical marijuana defense.

Steve Helms, Southlake
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