Pubdate: Wed, 03 Mar 1999 Date: 03/03/1999 Source: Los Angeles Times (CA) Author: Steve Kubby Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v99.n211.a08.html * Vasconcellos deserves high praise for his essay. This extraordinary statement is both courageous and historic, especially in light of his defense of McWilliams and other medical marijuana patients who are currently being persecuted by hostile federal officials. Vasconcellos' challenge to the federal government to respect the will of the people is the kind of genuine and inspired leadership that deserves our respect and support. It's time to stop arresting sick people. STEVE KUBBY Olympic Valley, Calif.