Email insights: John Morgan throws down the gauntlet over medical pot

John Morgan DWS landscape

John Morgan is drawing a line in the sand.

Or in the pot smoke, as you will.

In a new email, Morgan, taking another stab at medical marijuana legalization in 2016 – or sooner if the Florida legislature plays along – starts in a way that can only be described as blunt.

“We don’t negotiate with prohibitionists. Or bullies.”

Morgan’s message takes particular issue with U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who came out last year against Amendment 2; the proposed initiative just fell short of passing in November.

The action failed, despite receiving more votes than Gov. Rick Scott did for re-election.

Wasserman Schultz did not just empower the opposition, Morgan says, she also thwarted access to thousands of patients who desperately need access to medical marijuana.

“Her poor timing and very public stand against medical marijuana helped squander the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors,” he added.

Now it seems the South Florida congresswoman and Democratic National Committee Chair wants to open a dialogue with Morgan. All he has to do is “tone down’ the criticism of her position from last year,” as well as of the damage she caused.

“Not a chance,” Morgan says – probably with a few other colorful words thrown in.

The Orlando uber-attorney refuses to be bullied by anyone, or give any ground in the debate over medical marijuana.

If Wassermann Schultz wants to support the bill, Morgan says she should sign the United for Care petition – with a donation.

“Everything else is B.S. politics, in order to rehabilitate the damage she’s done to herself by being on the wrong side of the issue,” Morgan continued, with his trademark candor and down-home manner.

After the drubbing Democrats took in 2014, Wasserman Schultz – as DNC chair – has little political capital to spend, in particular against an issue popular with just under 60 percent of the Florida electorate. No doubt that has more than a little to do with her change of heart.

“We’re coming back,” Morgan proclaims. “I’ll be sure to let her know how we did in response to this.”

You can take that to the bank.

Phil Ammann

Phil Ammann is a Tampa Bay-area journalist, editor and writer. With more than three decades of writing, editing, reporting and management experience, Phil produced content for both print and online, in addition to founding several specialty websites, including HRNewsDaily.com. His broad range includes covering news, local government, entertainment reviews, marketing and an advice column. Phil has served as editor and production manager for Extensive Enterprises Media since 2013 and lives in Tampa with his wife, visual artist Margaret Juul. He can be reached on Twitter @PhilAmmann or at [email protected].



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