Pubdate: Tue, 25 Jun 2002
Source: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram (TX)
Copyright: 2002 Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas
Contact:  http://www.star-telegram.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/162
Author:  Larry Nickerson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

LIFE AND MARIJUANA

As we approach the Independence Day celebration this year, I think again of 
the words that launched this great nation. In particular, these phrases 
come to mind: that "all men are created equal" and that all of us are 
"endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, and among these 
are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." Is there any more 
important right than that of life itself?

On June 6, Libertarian Party political director Ron Crickenberger and 
campus coordinator Marc Brandl were arrested for civil disobedience while 
protesting a federal government crackdown on medical marijuana clinics. 
This action was a purposeful one demonstrating that Libertarians recognize 
the importance of this right.

For some very ill patients, being forced by the government to forgo medical 
marijuana has resulted in terrible suffering - and, yes, it has resulted in 
being denied that most basic right: life itself. We should all realize that 
we never know when we ourselves, because of cancer or other unforeseeable 
circumstance, may find ourselves in their place.

Remember who created marijuana and gave us life? Those who would deny life 
by denying this medicine to the suffering and the dying should consider 
where their position comes from.

Larry Nickerson, Fort Worth
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