Pubdate: Mon, 13 Oct 2008 Source: Saginaw News (MI) Copyright: 2008 The Saginaw News Contact: http://www.mlive.com/mailforms/sanews/letters/index.ssf/ Website: http://www.mlive.com/saginawnews/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/377 Author: David Light LEARN TRUTH ABOUT PROP 1 Editor, The News: After recent press releases from "Citizens Protecting Michigan's Kids," which uses some of our local leaders as a mouthpiece, I was once again repulsed. Their statements were filled with disinformation and outright lies concerning Proposal 1 (medical marijuana). Why? Because deceit is the method they're comfortable with, and lying about it by incorporating the idea that Proposal 1 has anything to do with kids is the only way that they believe others can be persuaded on this popular issue. Anyone interested in the truth about this ballot proposal can read it in full by visiting www.StopArrestingPatients.org/initiative, as I have. What is it with some of our Saginaw area leaders? Although there has been a consistent pattern of this type of behavior through time, we recently had an issue concerning public officials using their official positions to endorse a local candidate for office, in direct violation of state law. Now it appears that we have another group of bureaucrats also using their official positions as a platform to dishonestly oppose a ballot proposal. The laws are specific. Their actions thus far have come dangerously close to crossing the legal line, if indeed they did not. Also troubling is that many of these individuals are of a profession having long held the view that ignorance of the law is no excuse. Some in local governmental positions either don't get it, or don't care, and we are tired of their unscrupulous behavior. How can you expect citizens to respect their public officials when we see how little respect they seem to have for both the law and ethical principles? They should take some advice: Stop these deceitful and irresponsible actions. Stop thinking you are above the law. If you don't know the law as it applies to your position of office, then learn before you act. Here's a novel idea: Stick to doing specifically what the people pay you to do, do it with integrity, and let the democratic process flourish uncorrupted. David Light Saginaw Township - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake