by Thomas Larson - A group of organizers of the Medical Marijuana Initiative which was overwhelmingly passed in the June primary election, explain why they won't be owned by the political left or right. This is a group of diverse Oklahomans who grasp the cause of liberty in terms that are meaningful to the common man. To them it is freedom to choice healthcare options they are willing to accept the risks of; and pay for, themselves. If this is how liberty becomes meaningful to a new generation and renewed to an older generation, then this is a cause for making Oklahoma great again. Here's their open letter to the candidates still on the ballot. They don't want to be 'pigeonholed'. If we don't understand them, then at least they can say they tried to talk to us. |
From: Oklahomans for Cannabis An Open Letter to All Oklahoma Candidates: "June the 26th of this year was an historic day at the ballot box. It wasn't only historic because of what was being proposed; it was historic in terms of sheer numbers. More law-abiding citizens voted for medical cannabis than have ever voted for any state-specific issue or candidate in our entire history. The cannabis vote has now shown itself to be the largest voting block in Oklahoma, and we are active and committed. This little turn of events hasn't escaped your notice - your platitudes and press releases are evidence of the fact that you need our votes if you want any chance of winning. | "This isn't about |
"This has become a vital liberty issue." | Before you think you can win our votes with just vague, partisan press releases, know this: We are paying attention. We aren't the political lemmings you are used to taking for granted every election cycle, and you need us. Mary Fallin and her corrupt minions in the Health Department practiced pure vote nullification against a very large - historic - majority of voters. She happens to be a Republican. But we are aware that the cannabis issue is not a party issue - both parties have kept this vital and effective medicine from desperately sick people. This, despite great need and the fact that cannabis is nearly completely harmless. |
A Republican lame duck happened to be the one who put special interests above the will of the people this time, but we are aware that just about every candidate is heavily funded by Big Pharma and the Prison Industry regardless of party affiliation. Democratic candidates would be making a big mistake thinking they are going to get our votes just because a Republican happened to be the latest crony to shaft the people of Oklahoma. Democrats shouldn't think they will win our votes by default, nor should Republicans think we won't vote for them just because one of their own is a blatantly corrupt tyrant. This time, you'll have to do something many of you are not used to: you are going to have to actually earn our votes and keep your promises. We aren't the TEA Party or Occupy movements that you can absorb into your corrupt party machine and bend to your will. We are regular, everyday Oklahomans. We are your friends and neighbors. And we are wide awake. | "We aren't the TEA Party or Occupy movements that you can absorb into your corrupt party machine.." |
Make no mistake, the cannabis issue is THE issue this year. As we showed on June 26th, we are not some grumbling, fringe minority as you assumed we were all this time. To the contrary, we are the majority. We are Oklahoma.
And, while you are struggling to get attention in hopes of winning votes, our numbers are growing every day. Even many who were against 788 are now joining us. They realize, as you should realize, that this is no longer about just cannabis and whether it should be legal. Thanks to the blatant corruption and cronyist maneuvering we all witnessed recently, this has become a vital liberty issue. This isn't about medicinal vs. recreational, it isn't about legal vs. illegal. It certainly isn't about Democrat vs Republican. It is about freedom vs tyranny. It is about the very foundation of representative democracy, and about how most of you have spent your careers destroying it for fun and profit.
We all saw the proverbial Man Behind the Curtain this time. Even voters who were opposed to SQ 788 saw how little the peoples' votes matter to you, and how easily and casually you nullify the peoples' will. We all heard how most of you don't think voters are smart enough to cast an informed vote and need you oh-so-virtuous politicians to protect us from ourselves like children.
"We all noticed. And we're watching you very carefully." | If you want our votes, you should understand that we don't sell our votes for platitudes and slogans and vague press releases. As uncomfortable as this will be for you, you'll have to get specific and take an actual firm stand. We realize this will likely irritate your benefactors in the prison industry, big pharma, and the myriad special interest groups who curry your favor and fill your bank accounts. We recommend explaining to them that the jig is up, and that you are now beholden to the ultimate special interest - the people of Oklahoma. We look forward to hearing your *specific* plans and working with those of you we put into office this year." |
The 57%