Pubdate: Wed, 30 Mar 2011 Source: Missoulian (MT) Copyright: 2011 Missoulian Contact: http://www.missoulian.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/720 Author: Gail McLean SENATE NEEDED TO PROTECT FREEDOM When I attended the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing recently I was once again in the majority, at least 5 to 1 in opposition of HB161, the repeal of medical cannabis. On Monday, March 14, federal agents swept through Montana targeting and destroying some of the largest, most successful cannabis dispensaries and stealing the money they had in bank accounts. I recognized some of the names and faces as people who had testified before the Montana Legislature, and some were actually involved in trying to help craft workable legislation. The message from this action are clear: If you speak up, if you are a successful business person, and if you disagree with the proponents of HB161, the government will come in, destroy your business and steal your money and possibly incarcerate you. The reefer madness bleating and mewling from the proponents of HB161 are responsible for this, and I firmly believe this is a direct attempt by the federal government to manipulate and control our legislative process. Montana senators, it is up to you to defend our freedom. Do let this influence your decision by telling the proponents of HB161 that you don't appreciate them calling in the feds to fight their battles for them. This is also the exact reason we will never give up until cannabis is completely legal, one state at a time for every person for every reason. Gail McLean, Columbia Falls - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake