In 1972, when President Nixon made a declaration of
war, our modern war on drugs began in earnest. Since that
time every president has rattled his sabers ever louder. And
what has been the result?

Other politicians have taken up the cause and have
been pounding their chests with more and more ferocity. Each
has tried to out tough the other. Has it helped?

Politicians have irresponsibly foisted the enforcement
of their drug policies on some of our finest -- the police. Is using
law enforcement an effective way to deal with what is really a
social and health issue?

I have heard opponents say that doctors should stay
out of politics. Do you think politicians are the best people to
be in charge of our health care?

Washington State Initiative 685 "The Drug
Medicalization and Prevention Act of 1997" will force our
politicians to quit pounding their chests. It will force them to
allow reasonable alternatives to their failed war on drugs.
This is actually a national issue, but it must be faced
and confronted state by state. It is time for responsible citizens
to continue wresting control away from the politicians.

Change has already begun with the passage of similar
proposals in Arizona and California. The government has
finally admitted that there may very well be medical uses for
marijuana. Scientific research on the medical efficacy of
marijuana is finally being approved where it had previously
been denied. But it took the efforts of citizens to knock some
sense into our government. There can be no harm in testing
currently prohibited drugs.

Do you care about the facts? Do you care about the
safety of your children? Do you care about those in pain? Do
you care about those in the grip of addiction? Do you prefer to
take health and medical advice from your doctor rather than
from a politician? If you do, then vote YES on I-685.

Michael F. Marion
Marysville, WA