STORY SMELLS WRONG

I don't believe in trial by newspaper. A man is innocent until proven
guilty. But Johnston Mayor Bill Macera comes out of your Oct. 5 story
literally smelling bad -- reeking of marijuana ("Johnston police: Mayor
'smelled' of majijuana").

It would be a far more serious a matter if the mayor had been driving under
the influence of the still-popular but still-illegal drug. I agree with
Froma Harrop ("U.S. not going straight to pot," Commentary, Spt. 13: "Some
day, the sale and possession of marijuana will be legal from sea to shining
sea."

Bill Macera was my philosophy of religion instructor at CCRI. I got a B in
his course. My impression of the ex-priest is that he is a good and decent
man. But it is very challenging to reform Johnston, R.I.

I am not writing this letter under the influence of pot.

RON RUGGIERI

Warwick