Pubdate: Wed, 30 Oct 2002
Source: Pahrump Valley Times (NV)
Copyright: 2002 Pahrump Valley Times
Contact:  http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd=1125
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1531
Author: Ray Aldridge
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?162 (Nevadans for Responsible Law
Enforcement)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?163 (Question 9 (NV))

MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS

As a former resident of Nevada, I've been following the Question 9 campaign 
with great interest.

In a recent letter, Betty Kruk stated: "I am a recovering cancer patient. 
If I were on my deathbed, in severe pain, I would not want to smoke 
marijuana to relieve that pain."

Her reason? "I would not be so selfish as to want something made legal 
which will cause great harm to young people and others who become addicts."

I certainly hope her recovery continues. But if it doesn't, will she really 
be willing to forego pain medication such as morphine, Oxycontin, and other 
dangerous narcotics? After all, these substances are far more addictive, 
and have caused far more loss of life than marijuana.

The point is that Betty Kruk is within her rights to do without any 
medication she finds immoral. She is not within her rights to make that 
decision for anyone else. She and the other opponents of Question 9 need to 
learn that great human virtue known as "minding your own business."

Sincerely,

Ray Aldridge

Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart