Pubdate: Mon, 02 Oct 2006 Source: East Valley Tribune (AZ) Copyright: 2006 East Valley Tribune. Contact: http://www.eastvalleytribune.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2708 Author: Arlen Troutt Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Senate Race WHERE IS PEDERSON ON POT USE? Since we can't get the press to pose real questions to this same old pack of professional politicians -- maybe my question for Jim Pederson will accidentally get published in the opinion pages. Billions of dollars are spent on purchasing marijuana. That money enriches the criminal element and hostile foreign powers. Harsh laws and prison walls have done nothing to curb the popularity and demand for this safe and effective medicinal herb. The drug and alcohol companies are making our government look stupid in their war to protect their markets. Professional politicians against the decriminalization of marijuana are either out of touch with society or in the pocket of the drug and alcohol industry. There is little middle ground on this forgotten war. Pederson's position on medical marijuana before this election is important since he is the only one claiming to be independent of these giant corporations. With the billions of dollars and lives being wasted by these laws, he must let his position be known. Alcohol has been filling our emergency rooms for the past 70 years, not marijuana. Honesty on this matter would make Pederson the most unique figure in American politics. Not one politician in this country has shown the courage to represent common sense. I challenge the press and these professional politicians to be honest about marijuana. Arlin Troutt Gold Canyon - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman