IS THE PRISON INDUSTRY A "CLEAN INDUSTRY"?

Dear Editor,

"Stand up and be counted," urges Mr. James D. Wilson in his "Publisher's
Corner" column (1 March 1999, page 6). Mr. Wilson wants our island to have
a new prison. "Cities on the mainland compete for such facilities
(prisons) for their communities because of the tremendous economic impact
and is [sic] considered a very clean industry compared to other types,"
writes your publisher.

Were it not for the criminalization of marijuana, America would have no
need for that "clean industry." Have you given any thought to the raw
material that feeds that clean industry, Mr. Wilson?

Marijuana is the linchpin of the War On Drugs. When we as a nation learn
the facts and behave rationally, marijuana will inevitably be legalized,
the War On Drugs will end, and the need for new prisons will disappear.

It's interesting to note that on page 5 of that same issue of your
newspaper, "Dear Abby" recommends the book "Marijuana Myth / Marijuana
Facts." Other books are readily available, including "Marijuana: Not Guilty
As Charged," "Drug Crazy," "The Emperor Wears No Clothes," to name a few.

On the Internet an excellent, up-to-date, comprehensive Drug Library is
available at http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/index.HTM Another Internet
source of enlightenment is the New York Times Forum on Drug Policy.

Fifteen minutes invested in reading the history of Marijuana Prohibition
could change Mr. Wilson's attitude.

On May First this year rallies will be held in many of the world's most
important cities -- rallies to promote the end of the War On Drugs. One of
those cities is Hilo, Hawaii. Here's another opportunity to "stand up and
be counted."

Educate yourself, Mr. Wilson. As Publisher of an important daily newspaper
you have responsibility. The result might be your enthusiastic support for
yet another clean industry -- an expanded university -- instead of a larger
prison.

Sincerely,

Jerry Thomas, Kehena