Pubdate: Thu, 28 Jul 2005 Source: Shepherd Express (WI) Copyright: 2005 Alternative Publications Inc. Contact: http://www.shepherd-express.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/414 Author: Greg Francisco Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n1113.a03.html LEGALIZE MEDICINAL MARIJUANA I would like to comment on your July 14 article, "The Politics of Pot: Medical Marijuana Activists Are Just Getting Started," by Lisa Kaiser. Activist Gary Storck's comments highlight exactly the reason marijuana is not accepted as a legitimate medicine-the undesirable side effects: a mild sense of euphoria and general feeling of well-being. If sick people started feeling good, well, who knows where that could lead? Far better for those whiny cancer patients to just suffer in silence. It's good for them-give 'em some character. Far better that they use legitimate, approved pharmaceuticals where the only possible side effects are things like kidney and liver failure, hair loss, stomach bleeding and toxic interactions. With national public opinion in favor of allowing terminally ill people access to marijuana running at 65% and climbing daily, our elected leaders really only have two choices: Follow the lead of the people or quit feeding at the public trough and go find a real job. Greg Francisco Educators for Sensible Drug Policies - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin