Pubdate: Sun, 17 Apr 2011
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 2011 The Seattle Times Company
Contact:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409
Author: Allan Erickson
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n246/a07.html

Medical-Marijuana Plan Progresses

JUST SAY 'NO'

I've just read the Times article "Feds threaten prosecution if
medical-pot changes occur" [page one, April 15], and I'm shocked!
Well, not really.

If Washington's (or any of the states with medical-cannabis laws in
place) lawmakers had any fortitude, they wouldn't be
intimidated.

The federal prohibition of cannabis is so corrupt and lacking in any
substantial fact or science that anyone with a computer and Internet
access can easily learn the truth of the matter in minutes. If the
government cannot protect its citizens, what then is its role?

If the feds do show up to bust a dispensary, then state authorities
should also be there ... to arrest the feds. Or, at minimum, to impede
the wrongful arrests and/or seizure of property by the feds.

Our states' governors, attorneys general and state police forces are
obligated to protect their states' citizens. If the feds wish to use a
heavy hand, then states must push back, with equal force. Call a pile
of manure just what it is - manure.

The cannabis debate today has moved beyond validating our right to the
ancient agricultural staple. The direction of the discussion is more
rightly moving toward focusing on the plant's prohibition.

Prohibition is the lie. Stand up, Washington. There's a bully in the
yard and the time has come to end the bully's reign.

Just say "No" to the feds and their lies.

Allan Erickson, Eugene, Ore. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake