DeVries and Reynolds: Their Votes Can Save Lives

by: BurtCohen

Thu Oct 22, 2009 at 20:56:32 PM EDT

While the numbers look good in the House, we've been short two (for the two thirds required) in the Senate.

Betsi DeVries, who voted against medical marijuana, has been hearing from constituents. that effort must continue.

But there is reason to believe that Senator Deb Reynolds of Plymouth, who voted the right, compassionate way on the senate floor, is now being pressured by the governor to vote against the over-ride.

Reynolds and DeVries need to hear from you. And if you know people in their districts, that means the most, have them call.
The senators need to know their vote to override will cost them no votes in 2010; every poll shows a solid majority favors this compassionate legislation. Instead, by voting to over-ride they'll gain active supporters.

They need to know the momentum is real, especially after US Attorney General Holder and NH's US Attorney Kacavas say that if a state has a medical marijuana bill, patients will not be prosecuted. But there needs to be that state law in place!

Now is the time to call or email DeVries and Reynolds. Senator Reynolds is at 536-5553, Deborah.Reynolds@leg.state,nh.us, DeVries can be emailed at Besti.devries@leg.state.nh.us.

It is too bad the governor chose not to meet with patients. There are so many cases where this makes the difference between healing and dying.

Now is the time, you can make a difference.

Where to Go From Here?

by: BurtCohen

Tue Jul 14, 2009 at 22:35:27 PM EDT

Many people are worried about one Democrat in a senate leadership position, who did vote for the medical marijuana but is disinclined to vote that way again.
I share the concern that one who voted for it may switch vote to "protect' the governor.
I want to maintain confidence in this senator who has long been a good friend.
I do not know why any may be so inclined.
Doesn't it bug you when elected officials place perceptions of their own political interest above what they know in their hearts and minds is the obvious right thing?
Senators who voted to allow NH citizens to get the healing they need from serious illnesses can easily see that Lynch's opposition is based on pure baloney and political gamesmanship and clearly is not based on the facts at all. He knows it and senators know it.
Blue Hampshire folks need to know we can not lose one senator; that person  may be the vote that causes the over ride to fail.
The votes are there in the House and I have good reason to believe that with a little steady effort, the votes can also be there in the Senate. We must hold each and every one of the 14
senators who voted for compassion in this very tight bill. Make NH the 14th state to say patients are not criminals!

Don't Mourn, Organize!

by: BurtCohen

Sat Jul 11, 2009 at 14:51:57 PM EDT

OK fellow BHers, we have had our 24 hours to express our disappointment, anger and frustration with Governor Lynch's unacceptable veto of the medical marijuana bill.

Now is the time to take action!

The legislature won't return for at least two months before they return for "veto day" when votes will be taken to over ride the governor's vetoes.

So let's get to work!

Step One: Contact each House and Senate member, Democrat AND Republican, and get them to promise to vote to override and commit to attending session that day (whenever it is).

Step Two: Assess the members of the House and Senate and determine who are the likely members we can convince to override the veto.

Step Three: Determine a plan to reach out to each one of those members and obtain a promise for the vote.

Step Four: Reach out to individuals, organizations and the media (yes, the Union Leader too) to join us in the essential effort to override.

Step Five: Keep contacting all members of the legislature regularly to hold our votes and convince the others to join us.

Step Six: On veto day rally a thousand folks at the State House to show them the public is with them.

Step Seven: Nail down 16 votes in the senate and 267 votes in the House on the veto day and it becomes law.

Step Eight: Celebrate!

Let's get to work!! We can, we must, do this.

Burt Cohen