SHEA'S FACTS ON MARIJUANA ARE SKEWED TO SUPPORT HIS OPINIONS

Wevley Shea states that "the moral foundation of our nation is founded on
free, independent thinking. The ability to distinguish right from wrong and
individual responsibility form the basis for our democratic republic"
("Drugs attack society's moral fiber," May 16). Yet when the question
relates to marijuana, Mr. Shea already has an answer for us.

Concerning his facts on hospital emergency rooms reporting a surging number
of patients seeking medical treatment for marijuana, a study by Drug Abuse
Warning Network shows that marijuana is the least mentioned illicit drug
found. How many visits to the emergency room are a result of alcohol
consumption?

The gateway theory is also explained by Mr. Shea to say that marijuana is a
direct link to the consumption of more dangerous drugs. With the most
common crime associated with marijuana being possession, why is Mr. Shea so
fervent in his crusade? Does the fact that he is an attorney nominate him
to be an authority on our "moral fiber"?

Mr. Shea compares the war on drugs to World War II and drug offenders to
Hitler as well as being "one step up from child molesters." Is the genocide
of millions and the spread of the doctrine of hate really comparable to the
conflict we have over marijuana, or is Mr. Shea's opinion the only valid
one to accept?

Bret Kovar
Anchorage