SUPPORTS CLEAR THINKING

To the editor: The "Perspectives" (May 16-22) column by Stephen Young was
just the sort of clear insight we need in the next century.

Young made me think about the drug issue in ways I hadn't before and maybe
we all need to do that, considering the results the "Drug War" has turned
in. I'm ready to vote for new policies and read more by these new writers.

Thanks!

Dave Michon

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

YOUNG'S POT...Er...PLOT

To the editor:

The FBI is finally redirecting some of its resources away from the drug
war. That's good news, but the same thing should happen at the Drug
Enforcement Agency. For the past several months, the DEA has been focusing
its efforts on closing down medical marijuana clubs in California, despite
a state law that allows medical marijuana use.

If the DEA succeeds, more users of medical marijuana will be forced back
into the black market.

One might think the DEA would have appreciated the reduction of the black
market that came as medical marijuana dispensaries allowed patients with
doctors' recommendations to receive medicine in a regulated environment.

Instead, government forces are returning sick people to street dealers.

This increases health risks to the patients while enhancing the
profitability of street dealers.

Is this an effective use of government resources?

Medical marijuana has been a sure ballot winner across the nation, and some
polls indicated 73 percent of Americans support medical marijuana.

Why does the DEA insist on thwarting the will of the people while
endangering the lives of those who seek relief for illness?

Concerned citizens from around the country will be speaking out against
this destructive policy on June 6, a day that federal agents are expected
to close down remaining medical marijuana dispensaries in California. In
Chicago, a coalition of organizations will be gathering at the Federal
Plaza, Dearborn and Jackson, on June 6 at noon to talk about the federal
government's attacks on medical marijuana, and to explain why this cruel
and counterproductive policy is a monumental waste of taxpayers money.

Please join us.

Steve Young, Dianna Brickner, Bryan Brickner

Illinois NORML