does congress believe there own propagana?
apperantly Wally Herger does... check out the letter i got in the mail today
"Thank you for contacting me regarding the legality of the use of marijuana and related
paraphernalia. I appreciate hearing from you on such an important issue.
While you make some good supporting points, I must inform you that I cannot support the
legalization of marijuana for any purpose, including medical. Although there is the potential for
some positive gains, I believe that the negatives of drug legalization would be much worse. In an
ideal world where every.individual behaved rationally, perhaps decriminalization of dangerous
drugs might work. Unfortunately, we do not live in an ideal world. Every individual in our
society is inextricably linked to the whole, so the notion of a completely "victimless" crime is
becoming increasingly harder to defend.
While many argue that law enforcement has been ineffective in stemming the tide of drug
use, I believe that simply surrendering to the problem is not a lasting solution. Part ofthe
solution must be "de-glamorizing" the drug culture within American society. We must recognize
that-for too long, our society has considered adilictive behaviors chic and stylish, and that such
attitudes-'havefed the demand for drug abuse. When we consider decriminalization, I fear that we
neglect certain characteristics about narcotics use that speak against its characterization as a
victimless crime. For instance, the only purpose of drug use is to "get high." It is therefore
logical to assume that, as doses taken fail to sustain the original thrill of drug taking, dosages
must be increased, or more powerful drugs must be tried.
Studies indicate that marijuana users are very likely to consider experimenting with other,
more lethal kinds of narcotics, such as heroin or cocaine. Moreover, use of drugs such as heroin
or cocaine almost always leads to increasing dosages as the user develops a tolerance for the drug.
Thus, this kind of drug use increasingly takes over the lives of users, rendering them ever less
able to support themselves economically, and potentially harming close friends and relatives.
While decriminalization of drugs may initially reduce the cost of the drug to the user, it
does not address the problem of how drug users will avoid becoming increasingly dependent on
drugs as the primary focus oftheir lives.
As you may know, Massachusetts Representative Barney Frank has introduced H.R.
2087, the "States' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act," to amend the Controlled Substances Act,to
provide an affirmative defense for the medical use of marijuana in accordance with the laws of
the various States, including California, where contradictory drug laws have been instituted.
Following its introduction, H.R. 2087 was referred to the House Committee on Energy and
Commerce for further consideration.
While this is one approach to a solution, as the large issue of illegal drug control brings
into issue questions of national security, I firmly believe it is one that should be coordinated on a
federal level. In addition, while I have observed this issue develop for many years, I have yet to
be convinced of the medicinal values of smoked marijuana, or the need to legalize it, as H.R.
2087 would do by default.
Decriminalizing or legalizing drugs may also lead to the creation of a pennanent class of
drug users who will find it increasingly impossible to support themselves, and thus will rely on
the state for welfare, disability payments, or unemployment insurance. Their medical problems
will increase, draining our already strained county hospitals and the health care programs. Thus,
innocent taxpayers will be forced to subsidize the dazed and lethargic lifestyle of substance
abusers. Preventing drug users from operating motor vehicles will also become an increasing
problem as drug use becomes more tolerated and acceptable.
Quite frankly, the only real solution to drug abuse will be found in the home, with parents
instilling sound values into their children, including self-respect and responsibility. Our schools
can help supplement this teaching, but can never be an effective substitute for it.
Until that time, I believe our government must make it very clear that drug abuse is
unacceptable behavior, because it does have an impact on others, costing them money, time, or
their lives. Drug users hurt more than themselves. They hurt their families, their employers, and
innocent bystanders.
Therefore, in the face of the de-glamorization of drugs, we must strictly enforce the laws
relating to narcotics use. When drug users recognize that they will pay a very steep price for
continuing in their habits, perhaps then they will seek the treatment and rehabilitation necessary
to resist drug use. Additionally, we must take action to stop the flow of narcotics into the United
States from overseas. We should not pennit our nation to become the dumping ground for drugs
produced by international criminal cartels.
Again, thank you for sharing your views on such an important issue. Should you have
any further questions on this or any other federal matter of importance to you, please feel free to
contact me again,
WALLY HERGER
member of congress"
while the letter is full of ideas and views I disagree with, I emboldened & italicized the sentances the especially bothered me.
what do you think about his further Slandering the good name of medical marijuana?
don't just stop at telling me how you feel; give his office a call and let him know 1-202-224-3121... Congress will vote on an amendment this week (as early as Tuesday night) that would protect cancer, AIDS and other patients who use marijuana for medical reasons from federal prosecution. Obviously Wally is not on our side, maybe if he hears enough true info, he would be more inclined to vote more compassionately toward legitimate MMJ users.
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