Last evening as I was attempting to wind down after a high-energy rally in front of the Governor's Headquarters in downtown Los Angeles (protesting DEA raids and the failure of Governor Schwarzenegger to take a stand on the compassionate use of Medical Marijuana) reports filtered in about a raid at the Healing Arts Center.
The information was sketchy, but sources and eye-witnesses alike, confirmed that a full scale search was underway.
In today's LA TIMES, Stuart Silverstein reported that Federal agents seized marijuana and cash Thursday night (October 11th, 2007) from the high-profile center in the loft district.
There were allegedly twenty agents in tow who proceeded to search the two-story building for about three-and-a-half hours.
Although a number of items were seized, there were apparently no arrests.
However, the action appears to have been a retaliatory act by the FEDS.
Earlier in the day, protestors at the rally lamented to the press - and anyone within earshot - about the abusive conduct of DEA Officers in recent weeks.
Although there was no "visible" evidence of DEA presence at the protest, it is apparent from what transpired later in the evening, that agents must have been among the crowd undercover.
After a woman distributed hand fliers inviting protestors to an after-party at the Healing Arts Center to celebrate the success of the rally - in a matter of hours - the DEA organized a posse, then sprang into action.
Can't U.S. Citizens protest in the streets of America about relevant social, legal, and political issues, without the threat of retaliation?
It appears there is a turf war between the FEDS and the State of California.
Unfortunately, patients in dire need of medicinal marijuana are caught in the middle.
In spite of the fact California voters approved Bill 215, and the Governor signed the measure into "Law", Schwarzenegger has been derelict in his duties.
To date, he has not offered up any assurances, or even publicly spoken out on the behalf of patients, medical marijuana providers, doctors in the middle of the fray - you name it!
Citizens who were unable to attend the protest on Thursday, are urged to call Governor Schwarzenegger's office and demand that he take a stand on behalf of California citizens with the aim of protecting their rights and putting an end to the DEA raids sanctioned against patients and providers.
The Governor may be reached in Sacramento at: 916-445-2841
In addition, California voters should get actively involved in the e-mail campaign designed to pressure the Governor, as well.
Concerned citizens are urged to send e-mails to the Governor to demand that he ask George W. Bush to recognize California Laws as they pertain to the compassionate use of marijuana, and subsequently, end the "war on patients".
*Interested parties may use ASA's online action center to e-mail a form letter.
http://www.safeaccessnow.org
No comments:
Post a Comment