Pubdate: Sat, 06 Sep 2014 Source: Tampa Tribune (FL) Copyright: 2014 The Tribune Co. Contact: http://tbo.com/list/news-opinion-letters/submit/ Website: http://tbo.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446 Author: Douglas MacKinnon Page: B1 AMENDMENT 2 ISN'T 'FOR THE PEOPLE' You have to hand it to the folks from The Drug Free America Foundation. Not only did they take on trial lawyer John Morgan - arguably one of the most powerful people in Florida - but they did so in his own backyard. The foundation put up a billboard in downtown Orlando that reads: 'Amendment 2 is riddled with loopholes: It's one thing to be compassionate; it's another to be reckless. Does John Morgan know the difference?' The foundation targets Morgan because he is the patron saint of legalizing medical marijuana in the Sunshine State. The foundation also needs to be commended for not only calling out the man some fear will be co-governor of the state should his employee Charlie Crist win, but he might even hurl expletives their way to protest the billboard. Morgan is known for his wealth, power and his expanding influence. But he is also now known for becoming a YouTube sensation for his expletive-filled rant in favor of Amendment 2. While it was offensive to many - F-bombs used freely - some believe the video also gives a true glimpse of the man behind the curtain and puts a spotlight on a movement that might have nothing to do with medicine. Quite tellingly, as Morgan played to the crowd, someone in the audience repeatedly screamed: 'Morgan and MorganA- For the Reefer.' Morgan has a compelling personal story, and there is much to be admired about his rise from a dysfunctional childhood to professional success. He has given back to the community and has worked hard to feed the disadvantaged. He is also quite proudly a strong financial backer of the Democratic Party and counts a number of high-profile Democrats as friends. For Morgan, cultivating politicians is a hobby. But his passion for politics raises a legitimate question: Is his support for Amendment 2 about getting medical marijuana into the mouths of the truly ill, or is it instead a prepackaged and poll-tested cause designed to drive younger voters to the polls for Crist? To the question posed by the billboard, I have no doubt Morgan knows the difference between compassionate and reckless. His giving to those in need is compassionate, and his expletive-filled remarks were reckless because they may have hurt his cause. Morgan is smart, tough and very political. He knows the difference between reality and fantasy. The reality is that Amendment 2 is riddled with loopholes and would collapse under its own weight were it not supported by a web of well-financed distortion. The fantasy is that these multiple loopholes won't lead to a de facto legalization of recreational marijuana. For proof, look no farther than the hundreds of pot docs and paraphernalia shops coming to a neighborhood near you. They will bring higher crime, put police at risk and open the door to the complete legalization of drugs. No doubt, like Morgan, most voters know the difference between compassionate and reckless and know it would be beyond reckless to pass Amendment 2. Hopefully, at least 41 percent will push back against the hard sell by Morgan and the green-greed merchants invading the state. A 'yes' vote will be forever. A 'no' vote gives them time to do their own homework. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt