But they're going to try. (I'm not sure if "potheads" is an appropriate or sensitive phrase; maybe it's been appropriated by marijuana users.)
Josh Green forwards along this e-mail comes from a list kept by Americans for Safe Access, which is dedicated to advancing the cause of legal medical marijuana. Barack Obama has been sympathetic to these activists and their desire for law enforcement to back off of their industry; Eric Holder, his attorney general nominee, has a record of being a toughie on drugs.
------ Forwarded Message
Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:48:53 -0800
Subject: NATIONAL ACTION: Call to Impact the Attorney General Hearings NOW!
Dear Students and Supporters,
Here's an action alert we can all do in our spare time. If you don't have the time to call, you can click on the link below to send a pre-drafted email to Obama's nominee for US Attorney General.
National Action Alert:
Your Chance to Impact the US Attorney General Confirmation!
Dear ASA Supporter,
It's here - your first opportunity to be a real part of changing medical cannabis policy. If you ever wanted to take action that could make a difference, now's your chance <http://www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/AGAction> !
On January 15th, Senate Judiciary Committee will begin confirmation hearings for President-elect's nominee for US Attorney General, Eric H. Holder. Obama pledged to end DEA raids on individuals who use or provide medical cannabis in accordance with their state law. The U.S. Attorney General is the cabinet official who can carry out this stance.
Now is the time to act! We need you to help make sure the first discussions with Obama's Attorney General include questions on medical cannabis.
It just takes two short but critical phone calls to Judiciary Chairman Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) (202) 224-7703, and ranking Republican Member Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) (202) 224-5225). Call both offices and say:
"Hi, my name is ___________ and I am calling about the Attorney General confirmation hearings. President-elect Obama said numerous times during his campaign that DEA raids on individuals legally qualified to use medical cannabis in their states are a waste of resources and that he would end that policy. 72 million Americans live in the 13 states with medical cannabis laws. Please ask Eric Holder if he will uphold Obama's promise and end DEA raids on legal medical cannabis patients."
Because the federal government has refused to act, states have taken the lead in protecting patients who use medical cannabis. However, for 8 years the Bush Administration, the US Department of Jusice (DOJ), and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have aggressively targeted, raided, arrested, and prosecuted individuals who comply with state medical cannabis laws. In court, defendants are not allowed to present this as evidence for their defense, or even to mention that such state laws exist. As a result, many innocent people are serving time in federal prisons, and many more are waiting for their sentence.
We demand change NOW. Stand up for them by joining our effort!
Once you've made the call, send a letter to increase the pressure even more <http://AmericansForSafeAccess.org/AGAction> !
Change will not be handed to us. If we want it we have to demand it, and now is the best opportunity this country has ever had. Thank you for being a part of it.
Sincerely,
George Pappas
Field Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access
Americans for Safe Access
1322 Webster Street, Ste. 402
Oakland, CA 94612
Email us! <mailto:info@Americansforsafeaccess.org>
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