Pubdate: Thu, 14 Oct 2004 Source: Oregonian, The (Portland, OR) Copyright: 2004 The Oregonian Contact: http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/324 Author: Dan Fitzgerald Cited: Measure 33 http://www.yeson33.org/ Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1406/a09.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Measure+33 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) WELL-INTENTIONED BUT MISGUIDED The Oregonian was only partially correct in describing why the Libertarian Party voted to recommend a "no" vote on Measure 33 ("No on looser marijuana law," Oct. 4). Partly, yes, because we believe that the debate should be over straight legalization, but that's certainly not the main reason. What Measure 33 does is get the state into regulating the usage, possession and distribution of medical cannabis to an extent that it doesn't today. The state would be auditing books, receiving regular reports from dispensaries and generally compiling specific information on cannabis-growing and medical marijuana usage in the state, including names, in a format tailor-made for Attorney General John Ashcroft. It's true that we're philosophically opposed to having laws against cannabis possession, use or distribution; you either own your own body or you don't. But our objection here is more pragmatic; there is no way to guarantee that the state won't turn over this info to the feds, who have shown no compunction about arresting, harassing and even killing medical marijuana patients. I was for this initiative before I took a close look at it; now I think that this one is well-intentioned but misguided. DAN FITZGERALD Chairman Multnomah County Libertarian Party Northeast Portland - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake