PROHIBITION THE PROBLEM, NOT THE SOLUTION

Re: "An argument that's gone to pot," The Leader, March 20.

"Although one lucrative tap was shut off (with the diverted proceeds
running freely into government coffers), organized criminals simply
found other sources of wealth."

Yeah - drug prohibition. Your argument against legalizing pot is
disputed by your own examples!

"To assume the gangster wannabes will hang up their Kevlar vests just
because marijuana becomes easier to acquire is simplistic at best."

This is still no justification for continuing to subsidize gangsters
by refusing to regulate their biggest commodity. You are basically
saying that gangsters are so adaptive and diligent that we can never
stop them, but we should just keep doing the same things that have
failed for 90 years, simply to save face. It is utterly absurd.

It isn't just pot enthusiasts who point out that prohibition is the
problem and not the solution. All science, history, and common sense
on the subject supports it. If the writer would take the time to read
the 2002 Senate Committee Report on Drugs, he/she would understand
this.

The public deserves more intelligent reporters. They also deserve the
restoration of their right to choose.

Russell Barth Federally Licensed Medical Marijuana User

Patients Against Ignorance and Discrimination on Cannabis (PAIDOC)
www.paidoc.org