Pubdate: Fri, 16 Jul 2004 Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL) Copyright: 2004 The Sun-Times Co. Contact: http://www.suntimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/81 Author: Gary Storck Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n984/a04.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Andrea+Barthwell DOC'S WRONG ON MEDICAL POT So Dr. Andrea Barthwell believes her experience fighting the war on drugs and her moderate views could make her just the candidate to step in for Republican Senate nominee Jack Ryan ["Doctor explores running for GOP Senate seat," metro story, July 10]? Her service in the drug czar's office was anything but moderate. Since being appointed in December 2001, Barthwell has been running around the country, lying about medical marijuana and trying to subvert the will of the voters and legislatures of the 11 states that have legalized medical marijuana since 1996. Barthwell is way out of touch with the 70 percent to 80 percent or more of Americans who believe the sick and dying should have legal access to medical marijuana if their doctors agree. There are already enough closed-minded and intolerant U.S. senators who revel in keeping this tool from doctors and their patients. Barthwell would only make things worse. Gary Storck, Madison, Wis. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake