Gadfly and marijuana decriminalization supporter Bob Newland of Hermoas was formally charged with felony and misdemeanor counts for intent to distribute more than an ounce but less than half a pound of pot.
These are serious charges. All I know is what I read on the blogs about the situation Bob faces. And some are gleeful about his current fix.
My relationship with Bob has sometimes been difficult. In 2006, I initially opposed his initiated measure to allow medical marijuana. He was dogged in getting after me for my opposition. Because I had a family member who had problems with drugs, I was against the idea. In fact, I told Bob in no uncertain terms to leave me alone about the issue.
But he pricked my conscience.
In part because of Bob Newland, I came to support and do support medical marijuana. I have no intent on using it but I know there are South Dakotans with chronic pain and other ailments who may benefit from medical cannabis. It's not my place to tell suffering people that can't have something that might relieve their suffering.
Lots of people who wanted to change the world have spent time in prison: Jesus, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, Jr. come to mind.
I'm not saying Bob's a martyr. We are a nation of laws and not men and women. But like others who have tried to change society's point of view, the route sometimes leads through jail before there is change.
Bob, let's hope you have a very good lawyer who can make at least some of this go away.
Todd Epp
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