Pubdate: Tue, 01 Apr 2003 Source: Peoria Journal Star (IL) Copyright: 2003sPeoria Journal Star Contact: http://pjstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/338 Author: Richard James Rawlings END GOVERNMENT WAR ON MARIJUANA SMOKERS The Illinois Marijuana Party is fighting for our fellow Americans who are locked away in prison, whose families are less one mom or one dad, and those who have been killed in this never-ending and horribly failed war on drugs. Because of the war on drugs, America has become a police state. It has become a place where police officers question little kids in school about what their parents are doing at home. The United States has become a place where you can lose your job, your home, your land, your money and your children because of what the government found in your urine. The American government has no business in our bladders. Because we choose to consume a natural plant that is less dangerous than alcohol and tobacco, our government has declared war on us. Since when does the government own the minds and bodies of it citizens? We are not shady characters. We are your friends, your family and your neighbors. We are patriotic Americans. We firmly believe in the principles this country was founded on - justice and freedom. We hate anyone and anything that would corrupt our beloved system. We are prepared to defend it against all enemies foreign and domestic. Richard James Rawlings President, Illinois Marijuana Party/Peoria - --- MAP posted-by: Beth