Editor, The Times:

I was pleased to see the state Democratic Party adopted a platform
supporting legalizing marijuana, and sincerely hope elected Democrats
start introducing legislation to further this goal. I was disappointed
by your editorial ("Democrats' pot plan," June 16) criticizing this
common-sense move.

You suggest that this position will "alienate moderate, sensible
suburban voters." I am a moderate, sensible suburban voter, and am
willing to vote for and contribute money to any candidate from any
party who will take a position against this modern-era prohibition.
You accuse the Democrats of pandering to a "fringe element" of the
party, but I don't even know anyone who supports the laws prohibiting
private marijuana use.

You also complain that this position makes it harder for parents, who
are trying to "keep kids away from drugs of all kinds." This is
ridiculous. Society really doesn't have to lock up my fellow citizens
to help me raise my children. I would hope that I could tell my
children about marijuana and still live in a free society.

I can't imagine voters will be alienated by a position which declares
that government has no role regulating innocent, private activities of
our citizens.

Ken Friedman,
Edmonds