Pubdate: Sat, 18 Oct 2014
Source: Daytona Beach News-Journal (FL)
Copyright: 2014 News-Journal Corporation
Contact:  http://www.news-journalonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/700
Note: gives priority to local writers
Author: Jim Bowman

LOOK AT POT'S BACKER

John Morgan makes his living with persuasive talk. When he adds
millions from his own pocket, the jury - in this case the voting
public - is expected to be attentive.

Are there patients in need of marijuana's health benefits? Yes, and I
am in total support; in fact, we all are. However, this has never been
the question. Unfortunately, it is also quite a different venue when
George Soros put in his "two cents."

Will the November elections cloud our living with new recreational
freedoms, and if so, how does that comport with our "just say no"
advice or with maintaining highway safety? How has recreational use
affected Colorado highways?

While we rationalize our thinking that legalizing marijuana is
strictly for those in need, common sense pulls up the blinds to a
completely different vista. As Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri
believes, "This is really about legalizing recreational use of
marijuana." Before Election Day, who can challenge Gualtieri's beliefs
with any certainty?

We have all heard the lawyer jokes, which often reasons why we seek
out their representation at the last moment. How many also equate
Washington ineptness with too many lawyers holding office? The
appropriateness of Mr. Morgan's financial chest, along with his
personal pleas, should give pause - since this could be more than just
a medical question.

Lastly, consider Charlie Crist's chances without this issue and Mr.
Morgan's purse. In addition to bolstering our skepticism, Morgan
defies the voter's intelligence with, "Charlie is one of the most
straightforward and, in my mind, courageous politicians in Florida."
That term "straightforward" confounds when considering Crist's
political journey. But then again, it's lawyer speak, which might be
blended with a certain aroma.

Jim Bowman

Ormond Beach 
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MAP posted-by: Richard