WHY DENY PEOPLE CHANCE FOR RELIEF?

Regarding Frank Winkler's letter headlined "Legalization clearly
unhealthy": I've never partaken of marijuana in any form. I've
suffered chronic pain for more than half my life.

If marijuana for treatment of pain were legalized and prescribed by my
doctor, I'd try it to see if it relieves or diminishes my pain that
nothing else has relieved. I don't think government should be able to
say what a person can or cannot do in order to relieve pain.

Our Declaration of Independence says, "We hold these truths to be
self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by
their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these
rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just
powers from the consent of the governed."

So what right does government have to deny anyone's right to treat
pain in whatever way provides the most relief?

None.

I've contacted my state senator (Larry Dixon) and representative
(Barry Mask) asking them where they stand regarding the proposed
medical marijuana bill for Alabamians. I think I deserve to hear from
both of them since I am one of their constituents who helps pay their
salaries as legislators.

Don Seibold

Wetumpka