Pubdate: Sat, 26 Jun 2010
Source: Culpeper Star-Exponent (VA)
Copyright: 2010 Culpeper Star-Exponent
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/QTbG60wN
Website: http://www.starexponent.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1946
Author:  Michael J. Dee
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n470/a10.html

GOV'T DISCRIMINATES AGAINST DRUG USERS

In his column Sunday ("Mexico has a legitimate gripe when it comes to 
our drug habit"), Jim Bayne wrote: "Illegal drugs impair the ability 
of users to act in a rational manner."

He continued: "Society must have a clear mind, lest our society falls 
as did the Romans and others before us. However, each of us can and 
should set a course, for those following, which is absent of illegal 
drugs and undo indulgence of other items that may affect a clear mind."

Mr. Bayne, the war on drugs exists because the U.S. judiciary denies 
due process of law by denying equal protection of the 4th and 5th 
amendments of the Constitution of the United States to me and tens 
millions of others.

President Felipe Calderon of Mexico should tell the United States to 
follow the rule of law in its handling of marijuana, coca leaves and 
opium. Why is marijuana illegal? Because we do not have a clear mind?

The courts review the marijuana laws by rational review because the 
judiciary says marijuana is not a fundamental right. Judicial review 
of criminal laws by rational review is deprivation of rights under 
the color of law a federal crime under Title 18, USC 242. An armed 
invasion of my house with search warrant is not an invasion of my 
privacy? Being arrested is not seizure of person and not deprivation 
of liberty? Seizing marijuana is not deprivation of property?

The lawyers and judges are telling me I am not a person and marijuana 
is not property. Only persons and property are protected from 
unreasonable searches and seizure, unreasonable laws.

Reasonable laws are to protect you from me and me from you. So who is 
bothering your rights? Are you victim of a crime?

Bayne also wrote: "It has been generally accepted that the use of 
marijuana is a precursor to the use of 'harder' drugs."

So-called medical marijuana is going away from harder legal drugs. 
Alcohol is a harder drug. Marijuana is a precursor to other illegal 
drugs because it is illegal. Law enforcement is not interested in the 
user except as a precursor to other illegal drugs and more serious 
crimes dealing with guns and violence.

It is none of the government's business if I do not have a clear mind 
from alcohol or cannabis or use coca tea to reduce my appetite for munchies.

Mr. Bayne is living in a dream world if reality is a drug-free mind.

Michael J. Dee, Windham, Maine
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