Update: What I have done (and you can do) to help pass SB1381: The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act

1. Yesterday i received a phone call and was told that there is good reason to hope that State Representative Flilder will seriously consider voting yes for SB1381 during the veto-session in December. Representative Flider faces a tough race this November and I was asked to give him a break.

I was also asked to continue encouraging people throughout the state to call their representatives.

I was thanked for my efforts in the 101st district and told that it was refreshing to see people act on their convictions.

2. I have began to use my editorial and journalism skills to help in the crafting of press releases for organizations involved in the movement to get SB1381 passed. I enjoy this work and I am happy to do it.

3.

i have entered into dialogue with a state-wide faith-based organization that is concerned, among other things, about educating the Christian community about the importance of this legislation. With my background in biblical studies, this is right up my ally. There are some exciting things that I think are going to be coming up in this area.

I have an appointment tomorrow with my minister who is part of a ministerial alliance in town. We are going to discuss this legislation in detail. It is my strong conviction that Jesus would agree that this bill is about compassion and mercy. As a disciple of Jesus, I understand my activism as a duty. I am called to show mercy and compassion for the sick -- to do what I can to heal. I am also given a mandate to release the captives from prison. This bill would go a long way to helping the ill and releasing people from unjust imprisonment. Patients should not be considered criminals.

4. I have gotten to know a lot of people in my town because of my activism -- people in high places and people in very, very low places. Unfortunately, there is a major disconnect between the well-off and the very disadvantaged.

What I have found is that the poor and ill are largely voiceless and invisible in their suffering. Many of them have tremendous instability in their lives: poor family relations, poor education, poor nutrition, poor health. It appears to me that the cancer rates and illnesses are much higher in the poorest members of our city.

These people are not criminals; they are without many options though.

When these people smoke pot to relieve their suffering from chronic pain, cancers, epilepsy and glaucoma and then go to get meds, they are often denied because of their use of cannabis. This is happening in all eschelons of society, but it is particularly onerous among the poor.

These same people are not only denied pain medications, but they also face fines they can't afford and jail sentences.

SB1381 will go along way to helping ease the suffering of people who live in conditions that are very harsh and difficult.

I will continue to take action and advocate for these voiceless people.

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Please get involved in helping to pass this bill. A little bit of effort every day can make a big difference.

1. call your representative 217-782-2000 and let your representative know in no uncertain terms that you want him/her to vote yes for this legislation.

2. Tell other people to call.

3. If you want to get more involved, read my previous note on things you can do to get this bill passed or contact me or another person who is involved.

4. Check out http://www.illinoiscannabispatients.org/cms/

If this bill isn't your thing -- please find a way to get involved in helping our world be a better place. We need to be the change that we want to see in society. It is grass roots efforts that are going to make this world a better place. Positive change begins when we, as individuals, decide to care. Please care about our world. Do your part.

<3 (((( Thank you to all of you who have helped me get the word out and who have encouraged me -- you know who you are)))) <3

This note has been tagged very broadly. I have a lot of Illinois fb friends who I do not know. If you do not want to be tagged let me know and I will remove you from my fb. If you have concerns about medical cannabis and want to discuss the issues, feel free to open conversation. We want to talk about this bill and directly deal with concerns.

warm regards,

stormy