Reply #1: Politicians hate petitions.

[skids]

I'm not surprized by their actions. Even here in oh-so-blue MA, the legislature really hates it when the voters decide something by referendum. In fact, they have completely defied some referendum in the past.

Moreover, medical marijuana, and even some downright broadbased decriminalization measures, have been winning local "advisory" referendum here over the last six years in district after district after district. These aren't legally binding, but they do take any excuse away from the legislators that their "local constituents would crucify" them if they supported such measures. Aside from a few of the better congresscritters standing up and helping bills along, and a few private, "yeah, I'm with you personally"'s from several, the support we've seen has been abysmal so far.

So much for "we want to hear from our constituents". Not if they say something that they don't want to hear, I guess.