Pubdate: Mon, 20 Sep 1999 Date: 09/20/1999 Source: Sacramento Bee (CA) Author: Stephen Konnoff The arrest of DeArkland for lawfully growing medicinal marijuana clearly demonstrates the contempt of the Sacramento and Placer sheriffs for the will of the people, who overwhelmingly supported the medical marijuana initiative, Proposition 215. The terrorist sheriff-bureaucrats who tormented this ailing old man ignored not only DeArkland's legal rights, but also their sworn duty to conform to all laws -- even those they dislike. Like punks who prey on the elderly and infirm, the despicable conduct of these deputies was so onerous and immoral that mere verbal condemnation is woefully inadequate. Every "officer" should be fired and forever banished from employment as law enforcement officers. Their malevolence is not only disgraceful, but a threat to the rule of law and the ideals of American democracy. Stephen Konnoff, Sacramento