Pubdate: Fri, 24 May 2002 Source: Wausau Daily Herald (WI) Copyright: 2002 Wausau Daily Herald Contact: http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1321 Author: Gary Storck Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) THOMPSON WILL SUPPORT MEDICAL MARIJUANA Editor: The state Legislature has turned a blind eye to the suffering of Wisconsinites chronically wasting away from illnesses like cancer and AIDS who could benefit by having legal access to medical marijuana. Cancer and AIDS represent just two subsets of the many illnesses that respond favorably to marijuana's medicinal properties. With the medical marijuana bill that was introduced in January bottled up in committee, thanks to the cynical manipulations of Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen, R-Waukesha, the chances of the Legislature acting to protect sick and dying Wisconsinites from arrest and jail if they choose to employ this therapy are, at this point, just about nil. Despite the fact a February 2002 Chamberlain Research Poll found over 80 percent of Wisconsinites support the passage of a bill, only a few legislators have had the political courage to embrace it. "Silent Scott" McCallum also has been mute on this issue, like most other issues. There is a way to guarantee that medical marijuana legislation will receive serious consideration, and that is by electing Ed Thompson governor. Thompson has been outspoken in support of legalizing this option since he began campaigning. While other candidates grudgingly give quiet support to medical marijuana, others like McCallum and Tom Barrett either have no position or a history of opposition. With the state caught in a budget crisis and caucus scandal thanks to the failure of Democrats and Republicans to put partisan issues aside and do what is right for the state, it is time to send a strong message by electing Libertarian Ed Thompson to return the state of Wisconsin to government by the people, not special interests. Gary Storck, Madison - --- MAP posted-by: Alex