As a protester against the War on (some) Drugs, I thought in view of
the "My View" article entitled "Illegal drug use leads to surrender of
social liberties" by Joseph Filko that I would mention to you one
freedom that is dear to us all that is indeed threatened to be
abolished. This freedom is our First Amendment right, the freedom of
speech.

In the a recent article in Reason magazine ("A Duty to Censor," by
Phillip O. Corrin, in the Aug./Sept. issue), we read that the United
Nations is attempting to prohibit any and all who have a differing
opinion to current drug policy. In a country where the most bigoted
racist has a platform to speak his mind, how do we justify the
censorship of those who suggest Drug Policy Reform. To Mr. Filko, this
is why I protest every Thursday at noon on the corner of Allen Street
and College Avenue.

The article I've mentioned highlights the United Nations' position. I
wonder if Mr. Filko stands with them. Prohibiting dialog and speech is
justified since everything is justified in the War on (some) Drugs. I
may not agree with your opinion but I will defend to the death your
right to speak it. I invite a debate with Mr. Filko at any time.

I finish with a quote from Abraham Lincoln: "It has been my experience
that folks who have no vices have very few virtues." Looks like ol' Abe
knew about the hypocrisy of banning people from consuming what they will,
and to a deep level. Think about that when you have a beer and scorn a
person for smoking marijuana.

Jay Ferguson
State College