Seeking candidates' views on marijuana
To the editor:
I attended the senatorial candidate forum, "US candidates appear at North Andover forum," Oct. 19. I went because an earlier story publicizing the event led me to believe the candidates would be answering questions from the audience, albeit screened.
The screening process resulted in questions that might provide the candidates an opportunity to distinguish themselves substantively going unasked.
My question was: "Explain your position on the reform of federal marijuana policy as to its use as a medicine, hemp and recreationally." This question is relevant because their positions on pot present their understanding of the role of a senator.
This question was certainly newsworthy on the day Taylor Armerding's column, "Treat pot like gambling, all that matters is the money" was published. It became more so with the Justice Department's announcement that it will not seek to arrest medical marijuana users and suppliers as long as they conform to state laws, "Feds plan to issue new medical marijuana policy," Oct. 20.
Money, while important, is not all that matters. What also matters is that our laws comply with the federal and state constitutions; both suppose the consent of the governed. The vote on Question 2 annihilated the notion that prohibition backed by criminal sanction had such consent. The vote on Question 2 and the rampant civil disobedience to the law — more than 10 percent of Massachusetts voters consumed it last month — establish there is not consent here for the prohibition of its commerce.
According to the U.S. Justice Department's medical marijuana policy memorandum, the black market provides, "significant source of revenue to large-scale criminal enterprises." So too did alcohol prohibition. The only constitutional policy toward marijuana consists of regulations and a level of taxation reasonable enough so that the people will generally send their money to the state rather than resorting to the black market in their pursuit of their subjective happiness.
Steven S. Epstein
Georgetown
Running a city takes responsibility
To the editor:
I'm reading the front page of The Eagle-Tribune dated Oct. 20 in total shock.
State Rep. William Lantigua, a mayoral candidate for my city is late on turning in his campaign finance information which, according to City Clerk Maloney, was due back on Sept. 14. Isn't this is a state requirement as well as a state law for this information be turned in on time? The deadline is there for a reason is it not?
With all due respect, Rep. Lantigua, you expect to become awarded the honor to become the next mayor of Lawrence? To take over a city like Lawrence requires much more fiscal responsibility and the ability to meet deadlines. These deadlines are not only at the city level but probably more importantly at the state and federal levels as well. If you cannot meet a simple deadline like reporting the finances of your campaign on time, how can we believe that you can be mayor?
Maybe I'm overreacting but in my opinion missing this deadline this tells me that Rep. Lantigua is not prepared to lead this city.
In addition I'd like to comment that as a citizen and taxpayer of this great city of Lawrence, I'm tired of hearing that Lantigua has "no comment" and has no interest in debates for one reason or another. I along with the other citizens and taxpayers of this great city deserve much more respect than he has shown us!
I've already made my decision to award my vote to Dave Abdoo. I sincerely believe Dave has the background, character, integrity and hands-on, get-it-done attitude as well as experience to be the next mayor of this fine city of Lawrence.
Joe Couture
Lawrence
Death penalty is a just punishment
To the editor:
I write in response to a comment published in Sound Off on Oct. 19.
Although the person who wrote it has a somewhat different opinion than I as to who is and isn't responsible for the death of that mother in New Hampshire and the brutal maiming of her daughter, we do agree on one thing — the death penalty.
I am in favor of the death penalty and in a swift and deserving manner for the likes of those four men who allegedly went in and randomly slaughtered a wife and mother. I must say here to her family that my heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to them. I also send prayers of comfort to the families of the four men who police say committed the crimes. I cannot imagine how any of them feel right now.
It is my opinion when someone is caught that has committed such a heinous crime and their guilt is beyond a reasonable doubt, their punishment should be the same as their victim — death! Not appeals, not life in prison — death! And swiftly!
I, for one, do not feel it is my responsibility as a taxpayer to feed, clothe or house these criminals for any amount of time. I also do not feel they have the right to health care, comforts of any kind such as televisions, radios, the ability to correspond with others or three meals a day.
If it were your loved one taken from your life in a such a sudden and brutal way, would more people then back the death penalty? I know in my heart of hearts if my husband, children or loved one were taken in such a way, the other victim would be me as I could not live a life in peace as a proper and kind human being.
Let it also be known that I am an devote practicing Catholic. I take my religion very seriously and it may contradict my beliefs by saying I believe in the death penalty. However, even in the "Good Book" it says "an eye for an eye." OK, it also says "thou shalt not kill" but if someone breaks that commandment and kills someone then I believe that justice be served by ending that person's life, also. It is not revenge. It is justice!
I believe any person with the intent of ending another's life, or committing a crime where another life may be violently taken, may think twice if they know and understand what their fate will be for their actions!
LADONNA MICHAUD
Salem, N.H.
Support Amirian for council
To the editor:
I first met Sven Amirian through his wife Melanie who works at the front desk of the Haverhill Public Library. Melanie has always been cheerful and helpful and I was always happy to have her assist me during my frequent library visits.
When she told me her husband Sven was running for Haverhill City Council I was excited and optimistic about his message and his chances of being elected. Sven is invested in Haverhill on many levels. In addition to being a 4th generation Haverhill resident, he is a father of 31รขÑ2 year old twin girls and a 5 year old son who has just started kindergarten at Walnut Square School. Sven also owns two Haverhill-based businesses.
As a father of young children and local small business owner myself, I identify with Sven's goals for this city. Sven exemplifies our next generation of public leadership which, unfortunately, to this date has been largely unrepresented on the City Council. I encourage you strongly to consider Sven Amirian as a candidate for Haverhill City Council in the upcoming election.
Joshua S. England
Haverhill
