U.S. WAR ON DRUGS COMES HOME TO ROOST

I applaud the efforts of Dr. Phillip Leveque, one of the very few Oregon
physicians willing to risk his reputation to help patients ("Medicinal Pot
Is Doctor's Specialty," Sept. 4). Most MDs in Oregon are afraid that if
they prescribe marijuana they will face the type of scrutiny that Leveque
is currently facing.

All throughout the "medical marijuana" states, many of the most prominent
doctors prescribing marijuana are being subjected to undue scrutiny. The
state can develop guidelines but has absolutely no business evaluating the
quality of the doctor-patient relationship.

Ray Carlson, Redwood City

The tragedy at the Rainbow Farms campground ("2nd Man Is Shot Dead in
Campground Standoff," Sept. 5) is just another example of the war on drugs
gone completely out of control. Here we have a man who has his son taken
away from him for the harmless act of smoking marijuana. When he protests,
he and a friend are shot dead by FBI agents, without a trial or even an arrest.

Has the war on drugs come to this--that smoking marijuana is an offense
punishable by death. I am shocked and appalled at the behavior of our
federal agents, but perhaps I shouldn't be surprised. After all, we kill
people in other countries (like Colombia and Peru) for doing drugs, so why
not here.

Adam Wiggins,
Director, Neoteric,
Pasadena