My felonious status is a result of a problem concerning a small amount of marijuana in the early 1980s. I was given a sentence of 3 years in prison and 3 years on parole, for a total of 6 years. I served all of that without a problem, and have had none since. My biggest current problem is, now at 45 years old, that I have had chronic hepatitis C compounded with other severe liver problems for 28 years; and I am at this moment very ill. To pass this completely irresponsible, thoughtless and cruel law, especially by the Administration I voted to power, "Because I thought they had some common-sense compassion, and (were in) touch with us common folk," sickens me all the more!

The President was just on TV. He talked about his own knee problems, and how he now understands that dignity and strength will always be subject to erosion from ill health; he also says he will never disregard anyone with ill health. That leaves me to ask just what side of his mouth is telling the truth. Also, who is this anonymous spokesman for the Administration, who came up with this absurdity?

I am an American-born citizen of the U.S. who made one small mistake a long time ago, and I PAID MY DEBT to society. To punish me, and others like me, while we work when well, and pay taxes just like everyone else, will not only cost society more in the long run, but will force a destitute ill person to commit another crime to get re-arrested, because while under incarceration, the system must tend to the sick.

It is so stupid and irresponsible to pass a law such as this that I can only ask: Who is committing the larger crime, the pot smoker or the people who will be signing my death certificate, by denying my right to be healed.

What happened to truth, justice and the American Way? Because in 1984, when I made my mistake, the truth was, healthcare and felonious status had nothing to do with each other. The justice was, I paid my debt to society. What happened to the American Way, when you can reach into someone's past to try and eliminate their future? While accepting his vote and using his taxes.

Once again, who will be committing the bigger crime?

(The author is not using his real name, and chooses to remain anonymous)