Quadriplegic gentleman fired by Dish Network for choosing a more effective medication.

  • by: Mark Lee
  • recipient: Dish Network CEO, and the human service hiring professionals at Dish Network, Colorado Springs.

Brandon Coates was a clerical employee, having earned many awards and kudos in his work and work ethic. This was true even though he suffered chronic pain, seizures, and painful and uncontrollable spasms from an injury that left him a quadriplegic. Why was this productive man fired? Was it for taking the 'drug salad' of morphine, Tegretol, and Valium (or any combination of very similar drugs having "around the clock" work disrupting side effects)? No, it was for his choice of using cannabis during his off work hours which gave him far greater relief than the FDA alternative. If Dish Network recognized the value and quality of life cannabis offers, not to mention respecting the state law where they have located he would still have his job. He would never have had to appear in court fighting for his right to fair compensation, which was denied. Dish Network makes many claims about their ability to fit, with ease, into the 21st century, but as they are not doctors or pharmacists they do not seem to have the same ease accepting the fact that cannabis is far more helpful; and it is being accepted in far more areas of the country. A court case was recently won in Michigan, giving the plaintiff company the choice of re-hiring the man to his position, or paying him full compensation, has set the precedent. Brandon was breaking no Colorado law as he has the legal right to choose cannabis for the severe effects of his condition. He should be lauded for working, rather than trying to live off taxpayer funds. Most would choose disability payments, but Mr. Coates (and his state) gave him the choice of using a medication that would leave him clear headed and an exceptional employee. In quadriplegia, not all signals are lost; and the unused muscles and nerves build up bio-chemicals that cause real pain, seizures because the machinery of the brain is injured, and the same bio-chemistry causes spasms that cannabis can relieve very easily. As many more satellite companies are set-up to compete with Dish Network, I ask we sign this petition to give a hard working man his job, full compensation, and ask that a 'supposedly' 21st century company allow their employees to choose the medication that works best for them; in their hours off work! The precedent has been set, tell Dish Network to honor that decision because they are coming at an ever increasing rate!

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