Pubdate: Thursday, 08 Oct 1998
Source: The Mountain Eagle (Tannersville, NY)
Contact: FAX (607)652-5253

1998 marks the 61st year of marijuana prohibition. In the past six decades
tens of millions of otherwise law-abiding American citizens have been
arrested for marijuana offenses, the vast majority for simple possession.
Billions of tax dollars have been spent in a malevolent attempt to
eradicate marijuana use from American society.

Because marijuana is typically used in private, trampling upon the Bill of
Rights has become a routine part of marijuana law enforcement (e.g., drug
sniffing dogs, urine testing, phone taps, and military involvement in the
marijuana war.)

Reason dictates that an objective review of our marijuana laws is required;
but professional politicians are loath to enter into a rational discussion
of the marijuana issue for fear of appearing "soft on drugs" -- and the
average citizen is afraid to speak out for fear of retribution from the
"drug warriors."

The constitution of the State of New York does not allow citizens to put
their own initiatives on the ballot.  Consequently, the Marijuana Reform
Party of New York (MRP) was established as a vehicle to bring the issue of
marijuana prohibition before New York voters.

Thomas Leighton is the MRP candidate for governor.  By voting for Tom
Leighton, concerned New Yorkers can send an anonymous, yet meaningful,
message to the political establishment that it's time for a change.

Walter F. Wouk - president
NORML in Schoharie
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws 
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Checked-by: Richard Lake