DEBATE CONTINUES ON DANGERS OF SMOKING POT

Andy Totten, in his reply (May 17) to Robert Sharpe's letter (May 10),
makes the ridiculous assumption that those who believe marijuana to be
safer than alcohol wouldn't "mind if your airplane pilot smokes a joint
before flying the plane ..."

No advocate of marijuana decriminalization or legalization would also
advocate the right to come to work under the influence.

The facts are that the combination of alcohol and driving has killed
thousands of people, yet not one death has been attributed to smoking
marijuana and driving.

Mr. Totten goes on to claim that "lots of people smoke cigarettes while
they work and yet they still perform their job effectively." He must have
never worked with cigarette smokers who are constantly heading for the door
for a smoke while saying, "If you need me, I'll be outside having a
cigarette." How much productive time is lost by cigarette smokers taking
smoke breaks, while the rest of non-smokers get nothing in comparison?

There are always exceptions, but the majority of marijuana smokers have
sense enough to know not to smoke on the job. Yes, there are people who
smoke marijuana AND hold jobs. In fact, 75 percent of marijuana smokers
hold full-time jobs. What does that tell you about drug testing?

Mr. Totten also states that the majority of people who use this "drug"
would not be viewed as "respected community leaders with moral obligations
to society." I have news for Mr. Totten, they already are. They may not be
attending marijuana marches because they are working or have family
obligations.

It's a shame more of them aren't standing up for their rights.

Steve Schell
Gainesville, Fla.