CANNABIS ADVOCATE

To the editor:

I'm disappointed that Mr. Crouch cops out on something that really matters
in his otherwise accurate appreciation of Louis Armstrong. Armstrong, who
had "endless energy and could play and play and play with the evangelical
fire and charisma that brings a new art into being," was a confirmed,
longtime user of and advocate for cannabis, which he considered an enhancer
of musical perception and creativity.

At a time when hundreds of thousands are being arrested for cannabis use,
we need to heed Satchmo, who wrote, "It really puzzles me to see Marijuana
connected with Narcotics -- Dope and all that . . . it's a thousand times
better than whiskey -- it's an Assistant -- a friend."

I find it puzzling that Mr. Crouch, who seems to really love and understand
Armstrong, doesn't stand up for Satchmo's much abused "friend."

SAM ABRAMS
Rochester