Joe Zoretic, a founder of the Ohio Patients Network (medical marijuana advocacy group), was memorialized in Congress this week by presidential candidate and US Representative from Ohio Dennis Kucinich. The following transcript comes from the Congressional Record (PDF
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IN REMEMBRANCE OF JOSEPH STEPHEN ZORETIC
HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH
OF OHIO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Monday, September 17, 2007
Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the life of a courageous and passionate man, Joseph Stephen Zoretic, who dedicated his life to fighting for sensible drug policy and to free others from suffering. Along with his devoted wife, Dee Dee, he was a founding member of the Ohio Patient Network and its lobbying component, the Ohio Patient Action Network.
Joe started his life-long residency in the Cleveland area on December 25th, 1968. He became an active figure in the medical marijuana movement in the 1990s, when his wife was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy and needed cannabis to relieve the pain other medications could not. Since then, Joe provided policy ideas and inspiration to the state marijuana legalization activist community, from speaking at mainstream political events to testifying for better drug policy. Even if it meant going to jail, Joe stood up for what he knew: that love and bravery can overcome injustice.
Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring and remembering an extraordinary husband, father, citizen, and activist, Joseph Stephen Zoretic, who demonstrated the power we all possess to make change in this world.
And let us also honor and remember Joe Zoretic here. We will keep fighting in your name.
Location:
Washington,
DC
United States
Honoring Joe Zoretic
I would just like to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful life of this man. I had the opportunity to meet him at MPP's GREAT conference in April, 07, and accompany him, and others, to meet with their legislators in the U.S. Congress. His speech was captivating, his wife's story compelling. He will be greatly missed by the medical cannabis community. We lost in him a wonderful, articulate advocate for compassion, justice, and health care.
Much Love and Respect.
I think that is very cool, and noble and pure. Activisim is the best thing we can do...well maybe not, but it is better to try to change the world, then just sit and complain about the same, old, tired problems you hear everyone bithing about.It is better to fail at succeeding, than to succed at failing. For if you try, and make an honest attempt and fail...at least you started. that is better then not doing anyhting at all.
*Just a thought from*
Stephen Richard Zoretic
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