Date: Wed, 13 Oct 1999 12:02:59 -0400 (EDT)
Message-Id: <199910131602.MAA23653@mattababy.mit.edu>
From: belmonte@mit.edu (Matthew Belmonte)
To: CapuanoHR8@aol.com
Subject: oppose H.R. 2959 and H.J.Res. 69

Dear Representative Capuano

This past July I wrote you regarding Bob Barr's effort to thwart the collective
will of the voters of the District of Columbia, by contravening their approval
of the medical use of marijuana.  That controversy has now come to a head with
Barr's introduction of H.R. 2959 and H.J.Res. 69, which would nullify the
medical marijuana initiative that was overwhelmingly approved by DC voters.
The main issue with Barr's proposal is not what Congress thinks of medical
marijuana, but what Congress thinks of democracy and federalism.  Localities,
including the capital, should have the right to implement their own local
policies.  Passage of H.R. 2959 and H.J.Res. 69 would set a dangerous precedent
against a locality's right to self-governance.  I urge you to oppose these
measures.