Pubdate: Mon, 18 Oct 2004 Source: Anchorage Daily News (AK) Copyright: 2004 The Anchorage Daily News Contact: http://www.adn.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/18 Author: Linda Ronan Cited: Yes on 2 ( www.yeson2alaska.com ) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/marijuana+initiative Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion) STOP JUDGING ALASKA'S POT SMOKERS They Can Be Responsible and Caring Why be judgmental and ignorant about the "pot smoker"? I suggest that we are all connected in some fashion by family, neighbor, friend, co-worker, educator, caretaker or professional. It's the human condition to alter your mind. You did so beginning with twirling as a child. Most pot smokers are responsible and generously give to their communities, pay taxes, vote and are spiritual beings. I was an older woman's volunteer companion/caretaker for many years because of love. She knew I smoked marijuana and cared less. I volunteered in the school district to teach kids how to say no to alcohol and drugs until mandatory drug testing became so lucrative and deceiving. One of my Native students grew up to become a physicist. I care for my disabled mother and auntie and my 8-year-old grandson due to my youngest daughter's death this year. One of my children is a nurse and the other is an officer in the U.S. Army. I am married to an extremely loving husband who is surely a true saint. The "drug war" is a complete failure and has turned into a war on the American/Alaskan people. So what if I choose to smoke marijuana? How does that hurt you? Please respect my right as an adult to choose what to put in my body as I do yours. Vote yes on 2! Linda Ronan, Chair Alaska H.E.M.P. Anchorage - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake