Stan Garnett urges John Suthers to help MMJ grower Chris Bartkowicz: That's likely!

• Mr. Barfing - First of all I echo and applaud your suggestion to contribute to the defense funds of patients being prosecuted, and I would add pro-MMJ organizations and politicians to that as well. I am a big proponent of putting your money, and your vote, where your mouth is. Even if it is just a few bucks, your contribution to individuals, organizations and politicians who are forwarding our cause is essential to navigating our political process. That said, Stan Garnett is still bound by law and the duties of his office to uphold the rules and regulations surrounding MMJ and marijuana in general, and if he totally ignored those laws he would be in violation of his oath of office. Yea, I know many people don't like that reality. Buck up. Look, we all should all be cognizant that Amendment 20 does indeed include limitations with regards to the manner of use and quantity of MMJ a patient can have. Your MMJ card does not give you diplomatic immunity. And just because the constitution allows for an "affirmative defense" to argue that greater amounts may be medically necessary, that does not give us patients a free pass, only an opportunity to argue our case in court. But be clear - if you are caught out of bounds, you will indeed be arguing for your freedom in court. No question, we are at war. So be aware that smart, effective warriors move strategically in reaction to the current situation, and they know when a defensive stance is the best course of action. And here is the current situation: If you are a registered MMJ patient growing for yourself and police find 50 plants in your basement - you will be arrested and prosecuted. If you are caught smoking a joint in a moving car, chances are you will be talking to a judge. And if you are sloppy with your MMJ paperwork, you are literally inviting trouble into your life. I think the biggest disservice to the youth of this country was the removal of Civics from our public school curriculum. The art of public debate and social and political change is an illusive skill anymore. 24 hour cable news cycles have replaced our political process. And the only way we have to move our agenda forward is through that political process � as glacial and imperfect at is may be, California is about to use it pass full legalization. No small feat. Stan Garnett may not be Marc Emery, but he sure as hell isn't John Suthers either. Stan promised that he would not prosecute patients who are in compliance with the law. Fair enough. Suthers on the other hand has publicly stated that he totally disagrees with the law - that dispensaries are "not what the voters approved in 2000" and even recently his wife, a planning commission member, lobbied in the Springs for "religious intervention" to help move her (and her husband's) agenda, which is ultimately to ban dispensaries all together. Suthers has done everything in his power to undermine patient rights, to reverse Amendment 20 and to ban dispensaries completely. Garnett is on public record as being the most liberal prosecutor in the State of Colorado with regards to MMJ. You are right Mr. B - actions do indeed speak louder than words. Given that's the case, I've got my money (and my vote) on Garnett. Your vote is the most powerful weapon you have. I urge all of us to use it.

• Once Garnett stops all mmj prosecutions in Boulder, MAYBE someone will take him seriously. Until then, he is just another politician saying what he thinks will get him votes. Actions speak louder than words. Why don't you contribute to the defense funds of the patients Garnett is still prosecuting? If he is for legalization, why does he have even ONE case currently in Boulder?

• Thanks Stan! That's exactly the sort of State A.G. I want! Fair! Mr. Bartkowicz 'should' have been a little sharper in his venture to be sure, but the penalty and roadblocks to his defense are completely unjust. This story missed another really good point that Robb Corry only lightly touched upon last night. Stan's opponent Suthers is a well funded, deeply entrenched dinosaur. That means, because that's the reality of the way it is in elections, that Stan needs money. Really needs it. This is going to be for the TV commercials that sadly we all know are what it takes to win an election. In addition, Stan is only accepting personal donations, not the big money, so that means it's up to us, the people, to fund and help him beat the dinosaur Suthers. I urge everyone to contribute what then can, even if it's only a little it adds up and still helps. This is one of those few races you ever see where a winner like Stan is going to affect the quality of life for all Coloradans, including you. If you can, please donate. http://www.garnettforag.com Now, just because I can't help myself and they all set themselves up for it last night... What do you get when you have several lawyers at the bottom of, err, on the stage at a Stan Garnet fund raiser making the largest contribution they can to his campaign? A great start! Thanks Robb, I'm going to try to max out my contribution also and urge everyone who can to join us.

• thank you stan! everyone deserves a fair trial. please urge politicians to support... H.R. 2835: Support the Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act - make medical marijuana available as a prescription nationwide and keep the federal government out of state medical marijuana laws. H.R. 3939: Support the Truth In Trials Act - help medical marijuana patients present an affirmative defense in federal court. Currently, patients using marijuana legally under state law cannot defend themselves in federal court. http://www.mpp.org/federal-action

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