Pubdate: Mon, 27 Feb 2006 Source: Auburn Journal (CA) Copyright: 2006 Gold Country Media Contact: http://www.auburnjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/530 Author: Joel Williams Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) DOCTORS, NOT POLICE, SHOULD HANDLE MEDICINAL POT ISSUES Touche B.K Stegeman, Your Views, Feb. 19, on the medical marijuana issue. First of all, the issue of Judge Cashman is much more involved than what you hear on The O'Reilly Factor. You have heard piecemeal bits of a larger issue and echoed an opinion without truly knowing the facts. Get your facts straight! The issue has been alleviated with the legislature offering rehabilitation along with more incarceration. Furthermore Vermont's jurisprudence, or lack there of, has nothing to do with the Steve Kubby issue. This is really a California constitutional issue with the peripheral issue of citizen oppression. Your attempt to vilify me is very revealing. I find it perplexing that someone from California expounds the irreverence of another state. Please allow me to share with you what many have been saying for years - don't try to turn Vermon into California. But it couldn't be stopped. Some call it progress. Others call it treason. The fact remains, your conservative values cloud your comprehension with regard to modern day reefer madness. Herbal medicinal values have been practiced for thousands of years. No matter how you twist your reasoning, one fact will remain the same: The medical community should decide medical issues not the department of public safety. The people of California have spoken. Are you suggesting the people of California do away with their constitutional protection of citizen initiatives? It seems you are. Joel Williams Poultney, Vt. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman