Editor: I will open with a quote from Albert Einstein: "The difference between genius and stupidity is genius has its limits." This week, a number of respected Canadian scientists petitioned the federal Conservatives, asking them to ban the mining and sale of asbestos. Estimated at killing 100,000 people annually, the Conservatives, in their twisted logic, refused to even consider this demand, so the killing goes on. The irony and unlimited stupidity here is the Conservatives have refused to consider legalizing marijuana, a product that kills no one, and in many cases helps the desperately ill. [continues 111 words]
Editor, The Gazette, It has become apparent over the last few weeks, that some citizens in this valley have lost a very important human quality, that quality being compassion. Compassion is defined as sympathy for the suffering of others. There are residents of this valley suffering life-threatening conditions who have tried prescription drugs with little results or in some cases dire consequences. For some people these drugs have horrible side effects, just read the fine print in the drug advertising. They are prepared to try a more natural medicine to relieve their symptoms. [continues 166 words]
Editor, the Gazette: I have a difficulty understanding the passionate opposition to medical marijuana in this community. Do these people also feel the same passionate opposition to the two most destructive drugs in our society, tobacco and alcohol? These drugs kill thousands every year, cause the destruction of family units, and kill hundreds of people on our highways every year. What is their response to the fact that, according to the American Medical Association, prescription drugs kill, that's right kill dead, 200,000 people every year? [continues 59 words]
The discussion on medical marijuana continues to engage the community. Let's take a look at a commonly prescribed class of drugs. Statin drugs (drugs that improve blood cholesterol levels) counter indications include: headaches, nausea and fever, memory loss, liver problems, general weakness, hair loss, increased risk of heart attack and strokes, chest pain, swelling in the arms, abdominal pain, changes in eyesight, constipation, flue symptoms, joint pain, depression, sleep problems, sexual function problems, ringing in the ears, lower CoQ10 levels, etc. If I had to make a choice between most prescription drugs and marijuana, the choice would be simple. A change always begins at the grass roots and works it way up to the people with the real power. Let us not let misguided paranoia stand in the way of progressive thinking. David Janzen Grand Forks [end]
I have just returned from the public meeting on medical marijuana. It was both educational and enlightening. It is always interesting to learn from experts who know far more than any of us there. The mayor and three members of our city council were in attendance, but where was the other half of our elected representatives? If a city council vote is held on June 29, I would think these publicly paid employees would have attended to at the least educate themselves on such an important social issue. Whether the information presented would have influenced their vote is not the point; the point is they needed to be there to understand both sides of the issue. [continues 71 words]
