* Forwarded (from: NETMAIL) by L P using timEd 1.10.
* Originally from carl@commonlink.net (1:323/140.3).
* Original dated: Thu Nov 06, 21:06
VOTEYES57@aol.com wrote:
It has been five years since Wayne Turner and I moved to Washington DC from
Seattle, Washington. 
I am certain that if those with money in drug policy had listened to AIDS and
cancer activists--that a completly different initiative would have been
written.
After we get Initiative 57 qualified we are considering \a trip back to
Washington, the state and meet with AIDS and cancer activists as well as
people like former Governors Mike Lowry and Dan Evans and see if there is any
interest in a "medical marijuana" initiative.
We have talked to several in the Gay rights movement in Washington state and
they are burned out after that defeat and might not participate heavily in a
dignature drive.
Our DC language, with modifications and input from AIDS activists in
Washington state would pass--if there is energy for a grassroots effort at
this time.
It is clear that the day of the big bucks stealth tv campagins are over on
this issue.
Of course the irony of the Washington state defeat is that the strategy
employed there is what several in drug policy is what they wanted to do here.
It is imperative that the drug policy movement work with the AIDS and cancer
movements in a real and substantive way (and that means more than using AIDS
organizations as a laundry for funds) to make medical marijuana available for
all those who need it to ease their pain and suffering.
Steve Michael
Yes on 57
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*  Carl E. Olsen                *  carl@commonlink.net                *
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