LOSING BATTLE

Editor, The Sun:

Years ago, we tried to stop people from drinking alcohol and finally gave
up. Lately, we have been trying to stop people from using marijuana and it
looks like a losing battle again. Why don't we stop people from smoking
tobacco as this product is killing more people than marijuana? This would
also be a losing battle.

When are we ever going to quit getting involved in loosing battles? If
alcohol and tobacco are legal, then why not legalize marijuana and let all
of the people out of jail and prison who are there for using it. Our
farmers could raise the stuff and pay taxes on the sale. Stores could sell
it and pay taxes on their sales. Those who have to have it would be able to
buy it at a reasonable price and wouldn't have to hold up a store to get
the money to buy it. We also could lay off most of the enforcers who are
after the people who are now using it.

If we don't do something other than what we are doing now, eventually half
of our young people will be locked up in jail or prison.

FRED J. PADDEN

Yuma