Pubdate: Sat, 14 Apr 2007
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 2007 Los Angeles Times
Contact:  http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n454/a07.html
Author: Bruce Mirken

POLITICS AND POT

Re "Richardson content to start slow in '08 race," April 10

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson may want voters to believe that it 
was politically "risky" -- and thus courageous -- for him to support 
and sign medical marijuana legislation in New Mexico, but the polls 
show otherwise. The latest national Gallup Poll on the issue found 
78% of voters in support of medical marijuana. So Richardson gets to 
have his cake and eat it too by taking a politically popular stand 
while getting credit for being brave.

The real lesson is that politicians have finally started to catch up 
with public opinion. Journalists and pundits should take note.

Bruce Mirken

Washington

The writer is communications director of the Marijuana Policy Project 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake