Pubdate: Thu, 22 Jul 2010 Source: Hawaii Tribune Herald (Hilo, HI) Copyright: 2010 Hawaii Tribune Herald Contact: http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/share/letters/ Website: http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/185 Copyright: Ken Charon Author: Ken Charon CHRISTIE NOT A DANGER I am writing to you in support of Roger Christie and the decriminalization of cannabis/marijuana. Roger was arrested by federal agents on July 9 for growing, processing and distributing marijuana, and is now being held in custody without bail. U.S. District Judge Alan Kay said that Roger is "a danger to society." Federal authorities seem to think that they have made a major dent in the Big Island's marijuana trade. U.S. Attorney Florence Nakakuni thinks the case has far-reaching impact. Robin Dinlocker, assistant special agent in charge of the DEA, said "the availability of marijuana statewide could take a significant hit as a result of the indictments." Roger is a peaceful man, and I have known him for over 20 years. A vast majority of residents and taxpayers of the Big Island believe that marijuana should be legal. They have voted so here on the Big Island in 2008, and I believe others would do the same statewide if given the opportunity. These pubic servants seem to be stuck in the last century. Just this year at the state Democratic Party convention, the delegates overwhelmingly passed resolutions ... which call for legalizing marijuana for personal use by people over 21 years and facilitating distribution of cannabis to medical patients. I ask: Who are these public servants really serving? We, the people, ask that federal authorities, whose salaries we pay, free Roger Christie and legalize the use of cannabis/marijuana. Ken Charon Kurtistown - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart