DRUG WAR AT WHAT COST?

Thank you for focusing on the plight of Renee Boje ("Canada and US in Drug
Debate," Oct. 19). Her story illustrates the US government's obsession with
destroying anyone barely connected with challenges to marijuana policy.

Renee Boje hurt no one. She presents no threat to any individual. Yet, she
faces 10 years to life in prison along with extradition proceedings. Who
benefits from such vindictiveness? Certainly not the US public, who will
see hundreds of thousands of their tax dollars wasted if Renee is
extradited, tried, and incarcerated. In return, the public gets nothing in
the way of increased safety or security.

This latest display of the US government's manic compulsion to crush
anything that stands as a challenge to its cruel policies regarding
marijuana should be a wake up call to all Americans.

Renee Boje stood at the periphery of a situation that seemed to be
supported by the people of California. The federal government's reaction
shows its goal is not to protect the people, but to scare them into
submission.

Stephen Young
Roselle, Ill.