A "Two-Headed Slinky Dog" is what happens when you are left with the task of dressing your grandchildren for their Halloween Party, and the tail pitches a fit. Before the parents left for their long weekend getaway, they gave me very specific instructions on how to put together the twins costume. Somewhere along the way, it must have slipped mom and dad's mind of the possibility of a meltdown that could occur in the early morning hour of assembly when the "tail-of the slinky" decided that she, too, needed dog ears.
Little Louise just could not understand that the role she was playing as the "tail" of Slinky Dog did not require dog ears. So like any good grandmother, I decided to appease her and give this Slinky Dog two heads. As strange as a Two-Headed Slinky Dog looks, it truly did not matter to me because I was just trying to "keep everyone happy".
As a grandmother, I can do that. I have an invisible license to give them candy before dinner, let them fall asleep watching tv, and give into their temper tantrums. But being a grandmother is totally different from being a Representative. There is no invisible license for me to give into those that pitch a fit when they don't get their way - "keeping everyone happy" is an oxymoron. I remember thinking as soon as I spoke the last part of the oath of office "so help me God" - I thought to myself "Dear Lord, this has always got to be about you". Even though I might feel like I am experiencing a total meltdown of some of my people, I just cannot allow a Two-Headed Slinky Dog to manifest itself in our state by trying to "keep everyone happy".
For those of you that are on Facebook, I think it is safe to assume you have been bombarded with all my posting of opposition to Initiative 65. I have spoken at press conferences, been interviewed on the radio, met with law enforcement to discuss issues that will impact them, contacted numerous associations to get them on board with opposing 65, written opinion editorials, been the recipient of some pretty disgusting comments, and received threatening messages. But the good news is, I have basically convinced my two Labradors to vote "Against Both" and "For 65A" by requiring them to sit as my audience while practicing my speeches.
I have done my best to state the facts on the issues that concern me greatly in Initiative 65: 1) it would re-rewrite our state constitution; 2) there would be no tax benefit for our state; 3) it would strip citizens of their right to self-govern on local level by restricting zoning; 4) sensible advertising rules that exist for the alcohol and tobacco industries would not apply to marijuana industry - specific products will be allowed to be marketed on billboards, vehicles, and commercials that will clearly attract kids. . . just to name a few.
But let me just say this, at the end of the day on Tuesday, November 3rd, I will be able to say that I fought for what I believed would keep our state from being "tricked" into becoming a Two-Headed Slinky Dog - tightly leashed around the neck - by the multi-billion dollar marijuana industry. And if I have learned anything about myself this past year, it is that I am not scared. Of anything. Big money doesn't scare me, it doesn't control me, and so far it hasn't shut me up. As of this minute, I am still breathing. And "so help me God" I will continue to fight for what I believe is the right thing for Mississippi, as long as I hold this office. And to all you social media haters, I have three more years. Trick or Treat!
Representative Jill Ford
Vote 'AGAINST BOTH" and then vote "FOR 65-A"
To ensure a safe, effective medical marijuana program for Mississippi
Opposition to 65:
MS Psychiatric Association
MS Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics
MS Anesthesiologist Society
MS Chapter of American College of Cardiology
MS Hospital Association
MS Chapter of American College of Surgeons
MS Baptist Convention
MS Medical Association
MS Farm Bureau
MS Independent Pharmacy Association
MS District of the United Pentecostal Church
MS State Board of Health
MS State Board of Medical Licensure
MS Municipal League
MS Realtors Association
MS Association of Police Chiefs
MS Society of Otolaryngology
MS Gastroenterology Society
MS Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons
MS Bankers Association
MS Sheriffs Association
MS Osteopathic Medical Association
University of MS Medical Center
Pine Grove Mental Health
American Family Association
Governor Phil Bryant
Federation of Republic Women
American Medical Association
Agricultural Commissioner Andy Gipson
Ole Miss Pharmaceutical Research Professors ElSohly & Walker
Hattiesburg Clinic Board
Former Secretary of State Eric Clark
Governor Tate Reeves
Mississippi Oncology Society