Summary:

In The article Legalize Medical Marijuana: Politicians Must Catch Up with the Public Will, The author does his or her best to show that medicinal and even recreational marijuana does less harm than the consequences of the laws that prohibit the drug use. Medicaly “researchers have found that pot helps minimize the nausea that plagues cancer patients. “The government is scared to research this plant because they are afraid of what they find or the lack of what they find in some ways. “In 1972, President Richard Nixon convened that a commission to study the effect of marijuana. The Commitee concluded that federal and state laws whould be amended to end criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of the drug.” The current laws on marijuana are do only to the feds not wanting to admit that they are wrong and the whole situation is nothing short of political cowardice.

Commentary:

I strongly agree with the author on his or her views because scientific studys continue to prove that many patients with certain diseases and other medical issues would benifit from medical spliffs. This article raises the question of how anyone can deprive a person suffering from an illness whos pain could easily be helped by a drug that is mostly harmless. That leads me to wonder how the people of this nation can speak out and get what we want on the state and or federal ballots. Recreational use of the drug is pointless but no worse than drinking alcohal and actually causes less deaths and does less harm to the body. Time after time studies have shown positive results of marijuana yet the government continues to ignore what needs to be done. A survey taken by oncologist showed that half would prescribe pot if legal and 44 percent have recommended the drug regardless of it being illegal. Doctors dealing with cancer patients actually recommend and premote medical marijuana.

Evaluation:

After reading this article I feel that it is accurate because it is consistant with all the other articles I have read in doing this post. Also even though there is no specific author with credincials there is contact information with many goverment officials leading me to believe the info is true. Ethos, pathos, and logos are all mixed in as the author expresses the pain of the patients as well as factual results. I do however find it hard to believe that many politians and presidential candidates use or have used pot. I think its somewhat believeable but I think a bigger deal would be made of it. Bottom line the government needs to wake up and realize whats best for the people

Summary:

     According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer Editorial Board, “The benifits of medical marijuana have long been clear to those who suffer from chronic illness.” The Feds raiding medical marijuana crops and patient records does nothing but make the patients suffer. The Federal authouraties confiscated 1,143 cut away plants, and 195 grams of processed pot from a medicinal marijuana advocacy group. “It’s not like they’ll die because die because the dont have access to their medical spliffs. They’ll just suffer more than they need to. Much more.” Now the patients will be forced to choose between labled criminals for buying illegaly or suffering.

Commontary:

     In my opinion, the Feds comong in and raiding this company that legally grows marijuana for sick people that have prescriptions to smoke marijuana is moraly wrong. Would you think it was ok to take treatment away from someone with depression or A.D.D.  States have the right to legalize medical marijuana, but what is the point if the Feds are only going to raid the sources and arrest the sick. Many of the people who use marijuana use it for medicinal value while there are many other drugs with no medicinal value that are far worse and the Feds are busting state legalized marijuana crops and users.

Evaluation:

     The Seattle Post Is a large news network and a credible news source. The Intellignecer Editorial Board of the Seattle Post wrote this editorial based on a large infromation database that they have access to. Not only are ethos used showing the pain and violation of the patients suffer, but the use of logos are also used to back up their thoughts and opinions.

“Medical Marijuana: Justice Goes Awry.” Seattle Post 25 Jan. 2007. 16 Nov. 2007.

Summary: The President and Chief Executive of Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Dwayne Howell says that the Supreme Courts decision against medical marijuana is terrible news for those who suffer from cancer and other debilitating diseases sometimes cannot afford commonly prescribed pain medications or suffer unpleasant side effects. “Simple Compassion mandates that patients at the end of their rope- or life- should be afforded the means to find some peace from their pain.” (Howell, Dwayne) Medical marijuana is a medicine recommended by many doctors for patients with limited options or those that feel it works best. “California and eight other states recognize these needs.” (Howell, Dwayne)

Commentary: In my opinion all U.S. citizens that suffer from the cancer and other debilitating diseases should have the right to be prescribed by a doctor to medicinal marijuana when the patient has the need. Marijuana is one of the most effective and affodable medications for those who have not only pain but for nausea caused by cancer making the patient gain appetite and be able to nourish their bodies with food they would not regularly feel like eating. I think those who use marijuana for its medicinal value should have the right to do so without being labeled “criminals” when they are only looking for escape from their pain.

Evaluation: Dwayne Howell is the active President and Chief Executive of the Leukimia and Lymphoma Society and understands the hardships of these people and recognizes the need for this medicine. Although I believed in medicinal marijuana before reading this and other articles Dwayne makes very good points on this issue using logos, pathos, and ethos by showing the pain and need of the patients as well as backing up his opinion with scientific facts and anyone with morals would agree that these people should be able to find peace from their pain.

Howell, Dwayne. “Marijuana Ruling Hurts the Sick.” The New York Times 12 June 2005. 2 Nov. 2007.