IS THERE ANY REASON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD DENY MEDICINAL RELIEF TO
PEOPLE IN PAIN?

There is no reason at all. Our personal lives and our relationships with
our doctors are supposed to be our own. And the concern that people will
become drug addicts is beyond absurd. If a person is in chronic, severe
pain, the chances are she or he isn't going to become an addict. And if
becoming addicted to drugs is the only alternative a person has to be out
of pain enough to function, what difference does it make?

Amy Altschul, Oakland