Pubdate: Fri, 17 Aug 2012 Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser (HI) Copyright: 2012 Star Advertiser Contact: http://www.staradvertiser.com/info/Star-Advertiser_Letter_to_the_Editor.html Website: http://www.staradvertiser.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5154 Author: Mark Van Doren CHRISTIE SHOULD BE GRANTED BAIL On Aug. 7, Roger Christie was denied bail for the sixth time. He has been held without bail for more than two years under charges of distributing marijuana. Not murder - marijuana distribution. The Green Party of Hawaii does not know whether Christie is guilty. However, as we feel personal marijuana use should be decriminalized, a person accused of nonviolent charges relating to marijuana should be granted bail. The mantra that the arrest of Roger Christie has put a large dent in the distribution of marijuana on the Big Island is just not true. Marijuana continues to be grown and consumed by thousands of residents of East Hawaii for personal use, regardless of the Roger Christie case. Christie should be granted bail, as other prisoners accused of more vile crimes are routinely granted. Mark Van Doren State co-chairman, Green Party of Hawaii - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom