WHY CRUSADE AGAINST PLANTS?

Dear Editor: When I read the article regarding the bill by Sens.
Roger Bedford and Hank Erwin to outlaw the little-known plant salvia,
I could only shake my head in dismay. Their attempt to make it
illegal and apply the same penalties currently imposed on non-violent
marijuana consumers is absolutely absurd. What - we don't have enough
people in Alabama jails and prisons for use of natural plants?

This seems like a coordinated campaign nationally. My guess it is
coming from the DEA. It is outrageous, since salvia is a non-problem -
but maybe if they prohibit it they can change that, seeing as how
prohibition of other plants and their derivatives has worked so well
in the past and all.

Once these legislative clowns make it illegal, we will see a huge jump
in its use by kids. We'll see prison imposed for possession of a
geranium plant, lives ruined, forced treatment, drug court and all
kinds of crazy stuff that we don't see now when it is legal and not
widely known all because of their raging, moralistic crusade to outlaw
anything that might give someone else pleasure. What will they outlaw
next, spinning around in circles until you get dizzy? That also alters
ones state of consciousness.

If our legislative body truly wanted to go after problem plants then
might I suggest kudzu and privet?

Loretta Nall

Alexander City