MARIJUANA A SAFER CHOICE

During my 18 years as a police officer, I responded to zero calls for
service generated by the use of marijuana. Yes, marijuana is no play
toy as my colleague Sheriff Bob Brooks pointed out. However, compared
to alcohol use (which generated about 1,300 calls during my career),
marijuana is a much safer choice for the user, their family and the
community. Following Brooks' reasoning, he must be advocating the
prohibition of cigarettes and alcohol. Always keep in mind our failed
strategy of drug prohibition generates huge overtime checks for Mr.
Brooks and the prison guards. They will defend their cash cow at all
costs.

Howard Wooldridge, Washington, D.C.

(The writer is a drug policy specialist with the organization
Citizens Opposing Prohibition. -- Editor)