Pubdate: Fri, 03 Oct 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: Paul Sloan
Page: A10

BLATANT FEARMONGERING

Sheriff Don Eslinger is fearmongering. His column 'Amendment 2 is a
danger to our health, families and quality of life' (Other Views,
Sept. 26) is made up of generalizations. He uses the false talking
point: 'Shockingly, under Amendment 2, children can be provided
marijuana from a physician or a caregiver without parental consent.'
However, the Florida Bar's position on physicians' treatment of minors
states: 'Generally, minors cannot consent to their own medical
treatment.' Additionally, providing treatment without consent could be
considered unprofessional conduct.

The sheriff's column reminds me of H.L. Mencken's quote: 'The whole
aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence
clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series
of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary.' Medical marijuana is now
available in 23 states, and the sky has not fallen. Why deny someone
relief from chronic pain? When you vote, remember Dr. Albert
Schweitzer's words: 'Pain is a more terrible lord of mankind than even
death itself.'

Paul Sloan, Brandon
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MAP posted-by: Matt