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editor(aJa~aapirac.or~, dpfhi@.dr~a~sens~.org, subaaaissiox~s@caa~nabisnews.coffi, 07:4 PIS O1 <br /> To: editorCmapinc.org, dpfhiC~drugsense.org, submissionsCcannabisnews.com <br /> From: "Rev. Dennis Shields" <konagolcl~a,konacoast.com> <br /> Subject: OPED: Freedoms prescribed by founders are absolute <br /> Cc: <br /> rv <br /> Bcc: "Bond Family" <nbondCbigpond.net.au>, Bud <buddotcom@iav.com>`~ <br /> BMurphy422craol.com, peacein~>maui.net, SC Chat <scchat@drugsense._g> <br /> Attached: <br /> Newshawk: Rev. Dennis Shields ~ <br /> Pubdate: Fri. Jan. 4, 2002 <br /> Source: West Hawaii Today s <br /> Copyright: 2002 West Hawaii Todav <br /> Contact: wht@aloha.net <br /> Website:http: / /www.westhawaiitoday. com/daily/ 2001 /Jan-21-Mon-2002/ opinion/ <br /> Author: Rev. Dennis Shields <br /> http: / /www.TheReligionofJesusChurch.org <br /> Viewpoint <br /> Freedoms prescribed by founders are absolute <br /> By Rev. Dennis Shields /Captain Cook <br /> The editorial Jan. 4 drew several false conclusions e.g. the religious use of cannabis is <br /> wrong but the traditional <br /> religious use of peyote is OK. Tradition is not in the First Amendment, nor is tradition <br /> the criteria of Hawaii case <br /> law. If tradition were a criteria for religious freedom, then many newer religions like <br /> Bahais, Mormons, Jehovah <br /> Witnesses and Scientologists would not meet this standard. The First Amendment was <br /> created to prevent this kind of false standard from being applied to any religion <br /> Many members of the Religion of Jesus Church state their reason for joining our <br /> church is that the religious use of <br /> cannabis increases spiritual receptivity and enhances their creative imagination. These <br /> religious experiences are <br /> real and rightfully constitutionally protected. Rather than anend-run, we seek to <br /> secure constitutional protection for aGod-given liberty. <br /> Many of us would have remained agnostic or atheist, were it not for the religious <br /> experiences gained through the use of this miracle herb. We would not have obtained <br /> the personal relationship we now share with God and Jesus <br /> without it. One may disagree with our religious views and experiences, but the First <br /> Amendment guarantees no one can deny this inalienable right and mandated church <br /> practice. <br /> Many of our members have faced religious persecution and arrest. Some have gone to <br /> <br /> Prated for "Ite~r. I)en~ais Shields" <ll~onagold(alionacoast.cona> 1 <br /> <br />