Those that know me personally, know I’m a strong supporter of individual rights and liberties. And it burns me up when I see our legislators in Washington or Raleigh trampling over yours and my rights.
Well NC House Representative Pat McElraft is definitely not standing up for your rights in Raleigh. She’s apparently letting the Republican party, misinformation, and possibly special interest decide what’s best for you.
As you may or may not know, Representative Earl Jones of Guilford County has introduced legislation (HB 1380) that would make medical marijuana a reality in North Carolina. There’s thousands of people suffering at this very moment in our state who feel they would benefit from medicinal marijuana. Not only do they feel that way, but so do many of their physicians.
So Representative McElraft, I ask you this: Who should make medical decisions for me, you and the other legislators, or MY DOCTOR? Do you know more about the workings of the human body than someone who spent 8 years in medical school?
I emailed her asking her position on this matter and this is what I received:
Thanks for your message, Jason. I have studied this bill and what has happened in California since they have legalized medical marijuana. I am against such legalization. It is my understanding that the majority of people using the so called medical marijuana in California are not those who are ill.
Thanks,
Pat
What exactly has happened in California? People that are sick can legally and safely grow a plant that makes them feel better? So let’s say 80%, and I’d say that’s a gross overestimation, of the medical marijuana users are not ill. That still leaves a LARGE number of people reaping the benefits of being able to use medicine their doctors deem effective. And those 80% who may not be terminally ill, are they bothering anyone? Has the crime rate doubled? I think not. Let’s be real. You’ll have to give me a better argument than that.
Pat, I also find it disturbing that you have more compassion for dogs and cats than for human beings. I believe you’re a sponsor of HB 6, or Davie’s Law. Seems like you’re more concerned with humane euthanasia of animals than the compassionate treatment of Cancer, AIDS, or Hepatitis C patients. Are you more concerned with animals or people in the upcoming legislative session?
I’d also like to point out the fact that this bill provides a conservative estimate of an additional $60 million in revenue for the state. Do you think the state is in good enough fiscal shape to just leave these funds sitting on the table when you can’t even get my income tax refund to me? I think not.
400,000 people die from cigarettes each year. Yet they’re still legal, and if I feel like smoking a plant grown with radioactive fertilizer I have the right to make that choice. Do you know of ANYONE that’s died from smoking marijuana? Yet even if my doctor tells me that it may help me battle cancer by stimulating my appetite, you’re going to tell me I can’t? And the only reason you can give me is you’re afraid people who aren’t sick might be able to get it? Uhhh what planet are you living on, exactly?
I’ve voted for you in past elections, but not the upcoming election. And I can only hope enough of your constituents feel and vote the same way.
Pat Mcelraft is a pharmaceutical rep. She is a drug pusher herself. Do you think she is going to make way for competition?