MURKOWSKI'S MOST ARROGANT ACTION ATTACKS POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA

I enjoyed Kyle Hopkins' June 20 "The Trail" article ("Ad aims at heart
of poor image"). It was an amusing look at Gov. Frank Murkowski's new
election ad that attempts to make him appear less arrogant.
Interestingly, neither the article nor the political ad to which it
refers addressed what I feel to be Murkowski's most arrogant official
act yet: On June 2 he signed into law severe penalties for simple
possession of marijuana.

Why is this act such a sterling example of the governor's arrogance?
Because by railroading that law through the Legislature and ultimately
signing it, he showed contempt for the Legislature, the Alaska Supreme
Court and most especially his constituency.

The residents of Alaska approved the 1972 constitutional amendment
recognizing our right to privacy by 86 percent of the vote. That is a
mandate. The Alaska Supreme Court has repeatedly held that our
constitutional right to privacy allows us to keep private from
government intrusion the possession and use of small amounts of
marijuana in the privacy of our homes. Murkowski's new law is
blatantly unconstitutional, defies the will of the people and is (I
strongly hope) destined to be nullified by the Supreme Court, which
has thus far remained resolute.

Is Murkowski arrogant? You betcha, and no number of simpering, vaguely
embarrassing political ads will change this voter's mind.

Jolene Brown

Chickaloon