Pubdate: Fri, 24 Feb 2006 Source: Kalamazoo Gazette (MI) Copyright: 2006 Kalamazoo Gazette Contact: http://www.mlive.com/mailforms/kzgazette/letters/index.ssf Website: http://www.mlive.com/kzgazette/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/588 Author: Kirk Muse Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06.n216.a03.html IS EDUCATOR BEING PUNISHED FOR VIEWS? Why is Greg Francisco of Paw Paw being prosecuted for having a very minute amount of marijuana in his personal vehicle? The small, alleged marijuana stem could very well have been placed there by a long list of people, including students, fellow teachers, fellow counselors, his principal or just about anybody else. A few years ago, I locked my car keys in my car. I called a locksmith and he had my car unlocked within 15 seconds of his arrival. There was no damage to my car or evidence that someone had entered my vehicle without a key. Certainly anybody with basic mechanical skills could have unlocked Francisco's vehicle without his knowledge and placed illegal contraband in it. I am aware that Francisco writes a lot of letters to editors regarding our nation's drug policy. So do I. Is Francisco being punished for doing so? Did Francisco give up his First Amendment rights when he became an educator or decided to live in Van Buren County? Is the Bill of Rights just a piece of paper? A worthless piece of paper? Kirk Muse Mesa, Ariz. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin