REP. NOT NECESSARILY FOR LEGALIZATION

The article by Hilary Bentman ("Rep. Frank discusses drug policy," Dec. 9)
is accurate in many respects in reporting the talk I gave at the University
of Massachusetts-Boston on drug policy, but it is wrong in one very
important area. I was very explicit in my talk that I have not called for
legalization of any drug that is currently illegal, including marijuana.

Ms. Bentman correctly notes that I am in favor of making it legal for
doctors to prescribe marijuana for medical purposes, and she accurately
reports my objection to a policy of trying physically to interdict drugs
from the United States on a massive scale, the racially discriminatory way
in which drug policy is enforced and the excessive punitive sentences
handed out to people in drug cases.

But I also, on several points during my speech, noted that I have not
decided whether or not drugs should be legal, particularly because I share
the concerns of many who fear that making drugs legal could result in far
wider use, especially among vulnerable younger members of the population.
So her statement that I am "battling to legalize certain drugs;
particularly marijuana" is simply inaccurate.

I am very critical of existing drug policy and want to make major changes,
but I have not advocated legalization of any of any currently illegal drugs
and think that we should continue as a society to discuss this issue before
I am ready to come to a conclusion.

Barney Frank
U.S. Representative 4th District,
Massachusetts