Pubdate: Sat, 28 Oct 2000
Source: San Francisco Chronicle (CA)
Copyright: 2000 San Francisco Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/
Forum: http://www.sfgate.com/conferences/
Author: Dale Gieringer

FEINSTEIN'S HARD LINE

Editor -- Rep. Tom Campbell is quite right to criticize Sen. Feinstein's 
dismal record on drug policy. In her career on the Senate Judiciary 
Committee, Sen. Feinstein has consistently backed harsh, punitive and 
counterproductive policies that have inflamed crime, violence, racism and 
corruption. She has consistently pushed for more and longer prison 
sentences for drug offenders, opposed efforts to legalize medical 
marijuana, voted to deny student loans and welfare benefits to minor drug 
offenders and expel their families from public housing, and supported 
military drug war escalation in Colombia.

Most recently, she joined Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah, in sponsoring 
legislation to make it a felony to provide information about drug use, 
including medical marijuana, on the Internet, print, or speech. There is no 
excuse for a California senator to attack free speech, the Internet and 
Proposition 215. Thanks to Rep. Campbell for offering a better alternative!

Dale Gieringer, Berkeley
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D