STATES' RIGHTS

I think the Nov. 13 Viewpoints column by David Dow, "Bush should back his
language on states' rights," is right on the mark. If President Bush truly
believes in states' rights, he needs to have a little heart-to-heart talk
with Attorney General John Ashcroft. I'm a little surprised, however, that
the author did not mention our senators, Phil Gramm and Kay Hutchison, who
have used their time in Washington to consistently side with federal laws
instead of promoting states' rights.

I support the right of states to determine if they want medical marijuana
or assisted suicide. It would be nice if we Texans, who pride ourselves on
home rule, could vote on medical marijuana. Unfortunately, our own Texas
Legislature has outlawed a voter initiative on this subject. I guess that
is one way for Texas politicians to prevent laws that have been driven by
the initiative process in other states. Only a few Texas politicians even
have the guts to support a Texas law allowing for a medical marijuana defense.

Steve Helms, Southlake