Pubdate: Thu, 22 Nov 2001
Source: Providence Journal, The (RI)
Copyright: 2001 The Providence Journal Company
Contact:  http://www.projo.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/352
Author: Dan Litwin
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1932/a01.html

STATE'S RIGHTS ALLOW US TO LIVE IN PEACE

Regarding your Nov. 16 editorial headlined "Leave Oregon alone":
Oregon's voters say you can end your life your way. The federal
government says no. California's voters say you can smoke medical
marijuana. The federal government says no.

States' rights once allowed us a peaceful way to live differently from
others in our country. But the federal government wants conformity,
unity and unquestioning loyalty.

Do I believe the federal government has any legitimate claim to the
power it uses regarding these issues? No, I don't. And by abusing its
power and canceling states' rights, the Feds are waging war on one of
the defining traits of America.

A solution would be to vote for states' rights by electing an entirely
Libertarian federal government. Libertarians would fully respect the
Constitution and would proudly abide by it, obviously including
states' rights.

Dan Litwin

San Diego
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake