Pubdate: Wed, 26 Nov 2008
Source: Northwest Herald (IL)
Copyright: 2008 Northwest Herald Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.nwherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2762
Author: Gary Christ

CONSIDER HEMP

The American Spirit was the banner carried by my class of
'75.

This we need today like never before.

For the love of God, country and my classmates, begin by sharing
these truths.

During the Bush administration, the hopes and chances of repealing
the federal prohibition on industrial hemp and medical cannabis were
about zero. Of the G8, only the USA prohibits hemp farming, yet we
allow imports.

How can I call myself a Christian, and just watch my sick, dying
neighbor be needlessly denied God's free, most healing plant?

How can I just watch millions of fellow Americans be jailed and
careers ruined for simply possessing a less harmful plant than tobacco?

Where is the love-your-neighbor in that?

Likewise, how can I consider myself an environmental activist and not
pull the plow of change in the agricultural dynasty? Replacing
chemical dependent crops with organic hemp has ample benefits for the
ecosystem.

And hemp is America's ticket to freedom from dependence from foreign
oil. Visit www.votehemp.com.

Besides, it's the patriotic thing to do.

I think George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and most every other
patriot would exclaim in the true American spirit, "Why not today?"

Gary Christ

Crystal Lake
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin