Pubdate: Wed, 03 Nov 2010 Source: Volante, The (U of SD, Edu SD) Copyright: 2010 The Volante Contact: http://www.volanteonline.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5211 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n876/a11.html Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n877/a01.html Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n877/a02.html Author: Stan White DEPAULA IS WRONG After reading "PRO: Vote yes, stop reefer madness" by Thomas Emanuel and "CON: Yes Is Not A Stepping Stone" by Frank DePaula (Oct. 26, 2010) it's apparent DePaula doesn't know the truth about the issue. Historically even government studies discredit the "gateway" theory. Insinuating, "Yes will not work because the federal government does not recognize state laws on cannabis (marijuana)," isn't the truth; the laws work properly to protect sick citizens in the 14 states which have legalized the God-given plant. And they're not experiencing "gangs from Mexico." If America honestly wants to "think of the children," completely re-legalize cannabis. Cannabis prohibition and extermination harms children more than the plant itself. How many citizens have tried cannabis and realized its not as harmful as DARE claimed and think other substances must not be so bad either then became addicted to hard drugs? The federal government even classifies cannabis as a Schedule-I substance alongside heroin, while methamphetamine and cocaine are only Schedule-II substances. For the welfare of children that erroneous message must change. Another reason to legalize cannabis for the sick is because it's biblically correct since God, the Ecologician, indicates He created all the seed bearing plants saying they are all good, on the very first page (Genesis 1:11-12, 29-30). The only biblical restriction on cannabis is to accept it with thankfulness (1 Timothy 4:1-5). And, "But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?" (1 John 3:17). Further, many people know of cannabis as the tree of life and the very last page of the Bible indicates the leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of the nations. Every single citizen should vote yes for Measure 13. Stan White Dillon, Colo. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt