IT'S HIS JOB

The attorney general of the United States is required to enforce the laws
written by Congress. Whether a law meets with the attorney general's
personal approval is irrelevant.

Congress passed federal laws outlawing the distribution of controlled
substances. Marijuana is listed as a controlled substance under federal
law. The federal law does not grant an exception for medical reasons. So
when certain West Coast medical clinics and doctors defy federal law and
distribute marijuana to people, the attorney general is required to intervene.

Congress also outlaws the activity known as "assisting suicide." So when a
state passes a state law saying it's OK for medical persons to aid and abet
a homicide, the attorney general is required to intervene.

Until Congress changes the law John Ashcroft has sworn to uphold, I guess
he, as a man of considerable character, will just have to keep upholding
his oath of office.

John Donham

Olathe