UP WITH SMOKE

Shame on our system, it reeks! Harvey Silverglate, a Boston defense
lawyer, says the rewards for informers encourages them "not only to
sing, but to compose." ["Thank you for not snitching," August 16-22.]
It is downright sinister, a crime against humanity, for the medicinal
use of cannabis to be suppressed!

Patients all over the world testify to cannabis' help in treating
chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, gastrointestinal (GI) tract
disorders and HIV/AIDS! Some scientists speculate that cannabinoids
play a protective role in the brain, slowing the rate of disease.
Studies have shown it to slow the growth of three kinds of cancer in
mice: lung and breast cancer, and a virus-induced leukemia, and in
another study THC destroyed incurable brain tumors in rats!

Drug warriors are so befuddled by the noble idea of preventing drug
abuse, they continue to ignore the lessons of history. War creates a
booming economy for some on the suffering of many. Drug abuse,
including alcohol, is a medical problem and we'll do a better job of
keeping kids drug-free and inebriated folks off the road with
compassionate policy offering helpful treatment.

No legitimate business lasts long if it kills its customers or shoots
the competition. No legitimate business would sell drugs to children
or recruit minors to sell to their peers. This happened during alcohol
prohibition and it is happening today. Once again, prohibition
triggers more danger to the user and society by increasing violent
crime and corruption of public officials.

Leaders responsible for the current quagmire will one day answer to a
higher power for their crimes against humanity. It's time to end the
terror by changing our intrusive, big-bully policies, both foreign and
domestic. The monetary costs are staggering and the human suffering
unconscionable.

COLLEEN MINTER

better-known as artist/activist Bonnie Colleen McCool

Stephenville