Pubdate: Sun, 10 Oct 2004 Source: Anchorage Daily News (AK) Copyright: 2004 The Anchorage Daily News Contact: http://www.adn.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/18 Author: David Finkelstein Cited: Alaskans for Marijuana Regulation and Control http://www.regulatemarijuanainalaska.org/ Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/marijuana+initiative Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) BALLOT ALTERATIONS EXPENSIVE LESSON FOR LEMAN AND FOR THE STATE AS WELL I read with interest "Ballot reprint ordered" (Sept. 30). Altering ballot language may be subtle, but it is the worst form of government interference. The whole point of the initiative process is to allow the people of Alaska to decide issues for themselves. When Lt. Gov. Loren Leman tries to alter the outcome of an initiative, it flies in the face of democracy. It's not just Ballot Measure 4, either. The ballot language on measures 2 and 3 was rewritten by Leman as well! But luckily, the Alaska courts over and over have stopped Leman dead in his tracks. The people of Alaska will make decisions for themselves on Nov. 2, on a ballot hopefully free of government bias and intrusion. It's too bad Leman wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars because of his political arrogance. David Finkelstein, treasurer Alaskans for Marijuana Regulation and Control Anchorage - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake