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.
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MAP posted-by: Matt