Pubdate: Thu, 13 Nov 2003
Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle (MI)
Copyright: 2003 The Traverse City Record-Eagle
Contact:  http://www.record-eagle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1336
Author: Marla Mcmackin

BENZIE COUNTY: CHAMBER NIXES NORML

Group Sees Refusal As A Slap In The Face

BEULAH - A Benzie County organization working to legalize marijuana says 
they were weeded out of the Chamber of Commerce.

And they're not just blowing smoke.

The Rev. Steven Thompson, president of the Benzie National Organization for 
the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or NORML, said the group thought it was 
welcome this spring when they paid their dues and received a member plaque.

"We were trying to dispel the stereotype that we're all a bunch of Cheech 
and Chong people and also dispel the myth we're all a bunch of criminals or 
terrorists," he said.

But a letter sent this fall by chamber president Brenda Sue Webber says the 
board decided to reject the group.

Webber declined comment on the decision, saying it would be inappropriate.

Carol Davidson, executive director of the chamber, said the 18 board 
members were unanimous.

"Our board feels a responsibility to make the best decisions on behalf of 
the business community," she said.

The letter sent to Thompson said area businesses support drug-free work 
environments and employee drug testing.

"We are in agreement with these priorities," the letter continued. "We find 
that your goals are not consistent with our philosophy and responsibility."

Thompson said he and 63 other Benzie NORML members see the refusal as a 
slap in the face.

"Most of us have been doing business with our local businesses all our 
lives," he said. "We're real adamant about supporting our local businesses."

Board members Bob Yeager and Doug Rodriguez would not comment on their 
decision but both said they have not changed their mind.

Thompson said the group would continue to rally for membership.

"Instead of choosing a high ball or a beer after work, we might just choose 
to roll up a doobie or hit a bong and do it naturally," he said. "We're 
supposed to have the right to do what we want to do in our own homes and 
we're not hurting anybody."
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman