INCENSE AND PEPPERMINTS

Dear Editor:

As a disappointed Republican considering switching to the Libertarian
Party, I like a lot of what Dr. Pearl has to say. One curious thing though,
it occurs to me Libertarians shoot themselves in the foot with many
Americans by leading with their biggest problem. While the Libertarian view
is correct that whether I grow and smoke a tobacco weed or a cannabis weed
is immaterial, what we need to remember is that Americans against drugs is
part of the fabric of society. Why not be more gentile on this subject by
announcing that laws should only be made that protect a persons life,
liberty and property, not for social engineering. This really allows the
community to hold individuals accountable for irresponsible actions and
will help them to logically come to the conclusion that drug laws are dumb.

Leading with "legalize drugs" is going to close ears and minds before you
get started.

Debate the big points, and you will stand out in the crowd. If you ever
hear a Sunday talk show none of the Senate members (this country's greatest
deliberative body) ever talk about the scope of law, the rights of man or
being constrained by the Constitution. Let's work on getting Libertarians
in forums like that without bringing up the drug issue. It is refreshing to
see Dr. Pearl suggest modeling after what the socialists did with the
Democrats. It would be great to turn the Republicans around to once again
embrace liberty.

- -Paul Mees