Washington State Initiative 685

"Who wants to keep the truth hidden?"

I strongly disagree with parts of the article in the Sept. 24 Skagit Valley
Herald titled "Lieutenant Governor: I-685 is 'just too dangerous.'"

Lt. Gov. Brad Owen states that he would speak out against this initiative
"until they tie me down and gag me." Everyone I have met who is for the
medicalization (not legalization) of marijuana and other Schedule I drugs,
only wants the truth of drug prohibition to "come out" to the public. I'd
like to ask: Who is doing the tying and gagging? Who wants to keep the
truth hidden?

Owen also stated that this initiative is "opening the floodgates for drug
abuse." The floodgates for drug abuse are already open and have been open
for too many years. Let us close them with prevention and treatment
instead of punishment and prison.

Owen states that doctors shouldn't be writing laws. Don't we trust our
very LIVES on our doctors' recommendations every day? Do YOU trust our
politicians with your life?

Which of the following would you want to have happen to a family member,
friend or stranger arrested for drug use:

Medicalfacility treatment and education Prisonfacility treatment
and education

1. reasonable cost to taxpayer 1. high cost to taxpayer

2. respect to patient 2. punishment to prisoner

3. empathy 3. cruelty

4. positive attitudes and changes 4. negative attitudes and changes

5. trusting DOCTORS with their life 5. trusting POLITICIANS and PRISON
OFFICIALS with their life

Anyone against the initiative should schedule a visit to their local prison
and then to a drug treatment center. Also, find out WHY politicians against
the initiative don't want the truth to "come out." Why is drug prohibition
and the "WAR ON DRUGS" not working? I would like to thank the staff writer,
Jill Raben, for contacting Dr. Rob Killian to get HIS side of the story for
this article. Most other newspapers just printed Owen's statements!

Eve Lentz
Mount Vernon, WA