SEN. GRAMS MORE OF THREAT THAN DRUGS ARE

I read the Nov. 23 Viewpoint by U.S. Sen. Rod Grams, R-Minn. I found it sad
that he has tried to use his son either for sympathy or to rationalize his
support for the current drug laws. The fact is that the laws he supports
have done more harm than the drugs ever will. Grams and his fellow
lawmakers have created a minority of millions of regular drug users who are
routinely harassed, have violence committed against them and have their
property stolen by the government.

The way he has treated his son -- his support for jailing his son and most
likely his support for the forced treatment of his son -- reminds me of
Carol O'Connor. I still believe he and everyone else who kept forcing his
son to go to treatment were one of the major reasons his son committed
suicide.

I hope Sen. Grams comes to understand, before it is too late, that not
everyone can honestly believe the treatment theories, and some people just
enjoy, or need to use in moderation, some medications that are considered
illegal. The hatred and violence created by laws Grams supports will affect
millions of lives for years to come. I will be praying for him and the
lives he continues to try to destroy.

I will also pray that his son will not be sent to prison for life for
enjoying a joint and drinking a beer with his friends.

Randy Ristesund
Minneapolis