Pubdate: Thu, 15 Jan 2004
Source: College Heights Herald (KY Edu)
Copyright: 2004 College Heights Herald
Contact:  http://www.wkuherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2822
Note:  also listed as LTE contact
Author: Stephen Dickinson

LEGISLATORS SHOULD MAKE PROGRESSIVE CHANGES

In the Jan. 13 edition of the Herald, the political cartoon unfairly 
portrayed Gov. Fletcher as an enemy of higher education. No, I'm not a 
Republican and I didn't vote for him, but I am sure that Fletcher doesn't 
believe that money for secondary education is "waste." He isn't (U.S. House 
Majority Leader) Tom Delay.

Money is something that Kentucky doesn't have. In recent budgets, we no 
longer trim fat, we cut to the bone. Our state is in an undeniable 
financial crisis, but we can take this opportunity for progressive change.

In the United States, there is no legal distinction between marijuana and 
its cousin, hemp. Although it is humanly impossible to get high from 
smoking hemp, it remains illegal in the United States.

Hemp can be used to make paper, edible seed, fuel, oil and personal hygiene 
products among hundreds of other uses. Even in your posh BMWs and Mercedes 
vehicles, hemp is used in dashboards and instrument panels.

In the Spring 2000 I wrote Sen. Mitch McConnell seeking his opinion. In his 
reply, he said, "Until I am assured the growing of hemp will not be abused, 
I would not feel comfortable supporting legislation for the legalization of 
hemp."

So basically he doesn't know that you can't abuse hemp, and that unless 
this issue will cost him votes, he will not support revision of myopic drug 
laws.

In March 2000, the General Assembly passed a resolution requesting the Drug 
Enforcement Administration to revise its policy, so that states can revive 
and develop the hemp industry.

This issue has lost steam and needs the spectacle of a unilateral 
pre-emptive strike. Go hither and educate your elected officials. When they 
come to kiss your babies, hold their feet to the fire.

Stephen Dickinson,  Henderson senior
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom