Pubdate: Fri, 10 Oct 2014
Source: Tampa Bay Times (FL)
Copyright: 2014 St. Petersburg Times
Contact: http://www.sptimes.com/letters/
Website: http://www.tampabay.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/419
Author: Jeff Thofner
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n790/a08.html

NOT PERFECT, BUT NEEDED

Re: Just Say No To Amendments | Oct. 5, editorials

I confess I was perplexed by the Tampa Bay Times editorial board's
recommendation to vote against the proposed constitutional amendments
on the establishment of a fund to purchase environmentally sensitive
lands and to allow the use of marijuana for specific medical purposes.

In an ideal world, the Florida Legislature would enact legislation
that would accomplish the purposes of both amendments. In an ideal
world, the Florida Legislature would have enacted legislation
expanding Medicaid. However, with a Florida Legislature that is
dysfunctional and rife with special interest, the only way to effect
the will of the populace is through the amendment process.

I appreciate the Times' position that neither of the amendments are
perfect, and that there exists the possibility of abuse - the first by
the Florida Legislature and the second by disreputable doctors and
patients. However, to vote no on that basis is like throwing the
proverbial baby out with the bath water.

I would urge my fellow Floridians to vote yes on both of these
amendments.

Jeff Thofner, Tampa 
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MAP posted-by: Richard