Pubdate: Mon, 20 Jun 2011 Source: Hawaii Tribune Herald (Hilo, HI) Copyright: 2011 Hawaii Tribune Herald Contact: http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/share/letters/ Website: http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/185 Author: Andrea Tischler FREE CANNABIS, CHRISTIE Roger Christie is a man ahead of the times. With unflinching personal convictions, he is being persecuted for his beliefs and detained without bail (Tribune-Herald, June 12). This is happening in a country which hypocritically defends freedom of speech and religion and the right to reasonable bail. In the future, citizens will be appalled by the manner in which medical cannabis patients, religious followers and consumers had been imprisoned during the 40-year war on drugs, which primarily targeted cannabis consumers. Christie is a Christian well familiar with the Bible's teachings. When God commanded in Genesis 1:29, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed on the face of the earth ... it shall be food for you," He/She was not excluding the cannabis plant placed here to teach us love (aloha) and provide nourishment for understanding and compassion. Those familiar with the THC Ministry know that Christie has unwavering beliefs and has dedicated his life to freeing the cannabis plant. He was not using his church for personal or financial gain. He regards cannabis as a sacrament and an efficacious medicine. The ministry was the only safe place on the Big Island where patients could obtain their medicine. This provided a greatly needed service that state legislators have still not addressed, even after 11 years of medical legalization. Only Christie had the courage to do what was necessary where others have failed. Roger should be honored for his actions and deeds, rather than being imprisoned. ... We need to give thanks to the brave crusaders that have gone before and to those currently being persecuted for standing up to a corrupt government which passes unjust laws and panders to special interests. Free Christie now! Andrea Tischler Hilo - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.