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June 23, 2008

Mr. Annonymous guy on shroomery

Blah Blah address


Dear Guy:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the legalization of marijuana.  I appreciate the opportunity to respond.

After a decade of consistent progress during the Reagan and Bush Administrations, almost every available indicator shows the United States is now losing ground in its efforts to reduce illegal drug use, especially among young people.  Since 1992, the number of 12 to 17 year-olds using marijuana has almost doubled to 2.9 million, compared with the 1992 level of 1.6 million.  One in three high school seniors now smokes marijuana, and 48.4 percent of the Class of 1995 had tried drugs by graduation day.

Further, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) marijuana contains known toxins and cancer-causing chemicals that are stored in fat cells for up to several months.  Marijuana users experience the same health problems as tobacco smokers, such as bronchitis, emphysema and bronchial asthma.  Marijuana use also causes increased heart rate, dryness of mouth, reddening of the eyes, impaired motor skills and concentration, and frequent hunger.  Extended use increases risks to the lungs and reproductive system, as well as suppression of the immune system.  Hallucinations, fantasies and paranoia are also occasionally reported.  The use of marijuana often leads to the use of other more dangerous illegal drugs.  According to a survey conducted by Phoenix House, an organization that runs drug abuse treatment centers and conducts extensive research, 60 percent of adolescents in treatment agreed that using marijuana made it easier for them to consume other drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamines, and LSD.

It is for these reasons I am not a supporter of the legalization of marijuana.  The legalization of marijuana would lead to increased use at a time when we are trying to reduce the use of drugs in our nation -- especially among young people.  Such an act would send the wrong message.  While I appreciate and respect your views on this matter, I do not currently support the legalization of marijuana and believe that if such a law were enacted, it would have dramatic unintended consequences. 

Once again, thank you for taking time to write to me with your concerns.  The thoughts and opinions of Idahoans are important to me as your Representative in the United States Congress.  I



also encourage you to visit my website at www.house.gov/simpson to sign up for my weekly e-newsletter and to read more about my views on a variety of issues.

Sincerely,

S

Mike Simpson

Member of Congress

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Dear (fall):



Thank you for contacting my office regarding the decriminalization of marijuana. I appreciate your views and having the benefit of your opinion.



H.R. 5843, an Act to Remove Federal Penalties for the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults, introduced by Representative Barney Frank (D-MA), would eliminate most Federal penalties for possession of marijuana for personal use.  Currently, this legislation is being considered by the House Committees on the Judiciary and Energy and Commerce.



It is estimated that four percent of the world population consumes marijuana annually.  Used for centuries, marijuana regulation began in the early 20th century within the United States as consumption became more commonplace within urban environments.  Various states have decriminalized marijuana use for both personal and medical use.  These states include, among others, Maine, California, and Oregon.  Possession of any amount of marijuana in Massachusetts is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and six months in prison.



The legalization of marijuana is a contentious issue, with passionate feelings for and against its criminalization.  While there are valid points on both sides, on this issue I will defer to the countless medical professionals and law enforcement officials who advocate for leaving the Federal penalties for possession of marijuana in place.  I support decriminalization for minor possession believing that treatment programs are more helpful than jail time.  I do not, however, support the legalization of marijuana.  I am also a firm supporter of the use of marijuana for medical use and fully support decriminalization for this important treatment.



Please do not hesitate to contact my office in the future with questions or concerns.  If you would like to see what I've been doing in Washington DC, or to get my views on a certain issue, please visit my website at http://tsongas.house.gov.

Sincerely,


Nikki Tsongas
Member of Congress

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fall said:
I support decriminalization for minor possession believing that treatment programs are more helpful than jail time.  I do not, however, support the legalization of marijuana.  I am also a firm supporter of the use of marijuana for medical use and fully support decriminalization for this important treatment.

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I don't get it.  This bill does things he supports, so why doesn't he support it?  It also doesn't do the things he opposes.


1.  It doesn't legalize marijuana.  (which he said he doesn't support)
2.  It does decriminalize minor possesion.  (which he said he supports).
3.  It doesn't dirrectly affect medical use of marijuana except that it would decriminalize it and limit the sanction under certan conditions of use and sale.


So what is the problem?  The only vagary, which he doesn't explain, is the minor possesion thing.  So is his objection that the limit is too low or too high?  What is the deal?


Someone needs to tell this guy to read the very short bill and learn how to write letters that make sense.  He appears to support everything in this bill. 


ANyone else confused by this?


(unless he really supports this bill and just gave the impression he doesn't- he never says what his position is except advocating for those things this bill does and advocating against those things this bill doesn't do.

So what the hell is going on here?

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guruu said:
I would freak so much.  Like, I would just fucking freak the fuck out.

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