Pubdate: Mon, 23 Feb 2004 Source: Press Journal (FL) Copyright: 2004, The E.W. Scripps Co. Contact: http://www1.tcpalm.com/tcp/press_journal/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2977 Author: Bruce Symington Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n289/a06.html?19232 Note: Titled by MAP RESPONSE TO OFFICIAL It is too bad that the speaker from the U.S. drug policy office did not introduce a "fact-based marijuana initiative" in her presentation to the students at Indian River Community College. If she had, of course, she would have had to admit that the "myths" she was decrying are in truth, the facts, and the myths and lies are contained in what she and the cop said. This administration seems to be operating on the same premise as the Nazis in 1930s Germany: The bigger the lie, and the more often it is told, the more it will be believed. If one views the information readily available on the Internet or reads the excellent book, "Marijuana Myths, Marijuana Facts," by Lynn Zimmer and John P. Morgan, where the myths she spoke are dealt with in a fact-based manner and the truth of cannabis is revealed, one can know immediately that the government lies and so do the police. It is past time that the media asked these minions of the public service to justify their position with facts, not lies, half-lies and myths, instead of constantly giving them a free walk. You do a disservice to the citizens of the world when you allow these lies to be spread in your medium unchallenged. Bruce Symington, Medicine Hat, Alberta - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom