U.S. POT LAWS SIMPLY GO TOO FAR

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

A recent correspondent ridiculed the idea of learning from the marijuana
laws of the Netherlands. As is so often the case, the letter was contrary
to fact in several respects. Likening Americans to children, with the
government as the parent, is absolutely antithetical to traditional
American values and to our Constitution. As Americans, we have the right to
"the pursuit of happiness" in any manner we choose, so long as we don't
infringe on the rights of others. Concommitantly, of course, we have to
take the consequences of our actions.

In addition, the letter claims the Dutch Embassy admits that "there is not
much difference" in juvenile marijuana use here and in the Netherlands. In
fact, its report shows that Holland's rate of use is less than one-half the
corresponding American rate (15.6 percent vs. 32.9 percent for "used once
or twice"; 2.5 percent vs. 5.1 percent for "used in past month"). Other
studies show an even greater disparity.

The writer was correct in admitting that the crime rate there, where
private use and controlled distribution of marijuana are permitted, is far
lower than is the case here, after decades of the "war on drugs." I don't
know why he considers this an indictment of the Dutch experience. He also
denies that legally controlled distribution here would diminish violence
connected with illegal distribution as it has in the Netherlands, but he
presents not a shred of evidence.

The marijuana laws have gone too far, and they need to be changed. That's
why I'm voting for Libertarian Gary Reams for Lieutenant Governor in November.

Roy B. Scherer
Richmond