As Far As We've Come, There Is Still So Far To Go

The arguments that Michael raised in his blog: Texas Falls Short on the Civil Rights Train appeared not only thoroughly researched but poignant. It is obvious his plight is not only a difficult one, but a battle so many don't deserve to have to fight. From my personal experience, I can relate to his sorrow and oppression. Having faced the question of my own sexuality I experienced confusion, anxiety and fear of what others would perceive of me.

As Michael pointed out, the laws, both federal and state, are clear. If Christianity is the basis of these decisions the plain truth is Christ accepted everyone- from every walk of life. It's my opinion that the word marriage should be removed in both state and federal laws and replaced with "civil union". By doing this all people would be entitled to the benefits and protection of their civil partnership. Unfortunately, I believe this will take time, effort and patience just as the African American and Latino fight for civil rights did.

I was impressed with Michael's blog it left me sympathetic to his station and with a desire to help change the opinion of closed-minded individuals.

Medical Use of Marijuana

For 2-1/2 years I personally witnessed the ravaging effects of chemotherapy and radiation sickness upon my mother, who at the time was battling and being treated for breast cancer. The very same cancer which claimed the young life of many women in her family.

With bedroom curtains drawn in her room day after day, I watched helplessly in darkness as she withered slowly away, unable to muster an appetite and if she was able to eat, unable to keep anything down. Every known anti-nausea medication had been prescribed to her to no avail. Nothing the doctors could give her was able to alleviate her symptoms.

At the rate of her decline, our family had resigned ourselves to her declining strength and ultimate death. Shortly thereafter, during one of her chemo treatments a fellow patient passed my mother a marijuana cigarette and suggested she give it a try. It was, after all, rumored to help other chronically ill patients, despite opposition from most of the established medical society. Mother was reluctant, but even more desperate for relief. She made the conscience decision to smoke the marijuana.

The change was almost instantaneous. Within a matter of weeks, mother had regained some semblance of an appetite. To the family’s amazement, she seemed to have turned a corner and was able to eat. She actually began to put back on a little weight.

I am not here to advocate the general use of marijuana, but rather appeal to the State of Texas to seriously consider its use for seriously ill patients. Article after article has been written about the ineffectual benefits of marijuana use in such cases and I simply must wonder if their decision was predetermined or simply made out of ignorance. I have witnessed the benefits first hand and believe the State of Texas should join the increasing number of states that have finally recognized and admitted the benefits of the medical use of marijuana in seriously ill patients. The decision should be made by physicians who know and understand the positive effects and not a handful of legislatures who are basing their decisions on preconceived fears.