Pubdate: Wed, 24 Feb 2010 Source: Grand Forks Gazette (CN BC) Copyright: 2010 Grand Forks Gazette Contact: http://www.grandforksgazette.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/525 Page: 5 Author: J. Sorensen STOP FEAR MONGERING Editor, The Gazette Many issues of the Gazette have given me insight into the social complexities and personal emotions that the peoples of our small city entertain. Through this I have witnessed some very troubling issues. I personally have come to that certain point where a man has heard enough! I have decided that I will not approach the issue of a "new" medicine being introduced into our health care system with any kind of fear. I will not judge cannabis out of ignorance or reaction. I will open my brain to the possibility that, just maybe, the thousands upon thousands of physicians in North America that have acknowledged the fact that marijuana is a broad spectrum medicine, know a little bit more about the subject than I do. I will have empathy for people who are suffering with all manner of horrible and life debilitating illnesses and injuries. I will acknowledge that I have little or no experience with this medicine and its effects or benefits. I will also stop undermining our city's council and attempt to inform myself without that time machine in my head telling me it's 1950. I will think about the possibility that maybe change can be a good thing and that this change may very well have to start with small, enlightened communities. I will recognize that our medical system prescribes all types of Schedule III Narcotics on top of the plethora of anti-depressants and other synthetic medicines on a daily basis. These drugs do their jobs but they are dangerous and kill people regularly. Last but definitely not least. I will remind myself that not one person has ever died using cannabis. J. Sorensen, Grand Forks - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart