Pubdate: Mon, 11 Apr 2011
Source: Billings Gazette, The (MT)
Copyright: 2011 The Billings Gazette
Contact: http://billingsgazette.com/app/contact/?contact=letter
Website: http://www.billingsgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/515
Author: Stephen Moses

LEGISLATURE IGNORING THE WILL OF THE VOTERS

In Montana, the people elect representatives to go to the Legislature
to do the bidding of the majority of the people. In a representative
government, it does not matter if the elected official personally
agrees with the stated desire of the people, particularly where the
majority of the people have voted their opinion. It is the duty and
obligation of the elected officials to create a workable system to
achieve the desires of the people and not engage in some private
agenda at taxpayer's cost. So what happened?

Medical marijuana: In an actual vote by the people of the State of
Montana, by referendum, 62 percent or more of the people voted to
legalize medical marijuana. A recent poll affirmed that vote. Whether
politicians like it or not, this is a "mandate." In direct disregard
of the people, some representatives seek to repeal the law or make the
business "nonprofit", which is the same as a repeal.

Gold mining: In 1998 and 2004 the people of Montana voted to ban
cyanide leaching operations in gold mining. Another mandate by the
people! In direct opposition, certain elected representatives are
seeking to allow cyanide leaching operations in Montana.

Whatever happened to representing the majority of the
people?

Stephen Moses

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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake