Pubdate: Sun, 14 Nov 2004 Source: Billings Gazette, The (MT) Copyright: 2004 The Billings Gazette Contact: http://www.billingsgazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/515 Author: Bill Cook Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/props.htm (Ballot Initiatives) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion) DEFENDING OPINIONATED COMICS, MEDICAL POT I'm writing about the letters condemning medical marijuana, "Doonesbury" and "Mallard Fillmore." I don't know whether to laugh or cry after reading the recent letter from the Ministry of Misinformation condemning the passage of the medical marijuana initiative, and the one from the Chief of the Fun Police blasting "Doonesbury" and "Mallard Fillmore." Like Ed Kemmick, I note the irony of a state like Montana that overwhelmingly approves George Bush for president and, at the same time, votes in medicinal pot (by about the same percentage), despite the Bush administration's efforts to dissuade Montanans from doing so. I would be less alarmed at someone ingesting medically prescribed pot in the workplace than the same popping barbiturates or getting drunk on the job. In almost any country but the US of A, workers can consume alcohol during their lunch hour or even at their desk. The trick is to not abuse the privilege. Sure, marijuana contributes to crime because it is currently illegal to use! Myself and millions of others would embrace the decriminalization of pot, and allow the growing of marijuana for personal use. Maybe we'll see that initiative on future ballots. On the other subject, I cannot get through the morning without my daily dose of reality from Garry Trudeau. I particularly enjoy his characterization of President W., and I consider The Duke a personal friend. You can set "Mallard Fillmore" on fire, for all I care, but every now and then even Bruce Tinsley is actually funny. Bill Cook, Park City - ---