DRUG WAR DECEPTIVE

The Nov. 4 article by Joe Rojas-Burke on passage of Measures 57 and 67 was
insightful. Rob Elkins, of the Oregon Police Chiefs for Safer Communities,
says Rep. Floyd Prozanski and others "led a campaign of deception and scare
tactics." Excuse me?

It is the government and its emptyheaded mouthpieces that "deceive and
scare." The feds threaten doctors with license revocation for recommending
pot. The US Congress denies the people of the District of Columbia the
ability to enact medical marijuana legislation, and then also denies the
release of voter tallies on the measure.

The government is staunch in fighting its drug war, although 60 years of
prohibition have done nothing but worsen the situation. Today, children as
young as 8 and 9 are involved in drug use. The government wishes to control
drug use in the civilian population but cannot even control drug use in our
prisons and jails.

The government wishes to operate its drug policies under scientific
principles, we are told. Government scientists have verified the
effectiveness of needle exchange programs for addicts. Dr Jocelyn Elders
and current US Surgeon General David Satcher say needle exchange "does not
encourage drug use and can reduce the spread of AIDS." Yet Congress will
not fund needle exchange programs.

What our government representatives and employees need to realize is that
THEY work for US. Compassion (and common sense) played a large part in the
medical marijuana measures passed in the five Western states. More jails,
money and compassionless politics will not aid in reducing drug abuse.
Education, public discussion and a passionate electorate may.

Thank you Oregonians.

Allan Erickson