MARIJUANA SAFER THAN BOOZE, TOBACCO

EDITOR:

In the recent "point-counterpoint" debate, City Editor Steve
Stockmar's "pro" marijuana legalization position based on facts makes
eminent sense while Courier Editor Ben Hansen's "con" anecdotal
fantasies argument lacks substance.

In addition to Mr. Stockmar's argument, according to past published
FBI Uniform Crime Statistics, alcohol and tobacco account for "more
health and social problems than all other drugs combined" and
marijuana doesn't even count as a problem except that it's illegal.

Current pot laws benefit only drug dealers, the liquor industry and
countless government agencies including law enforcement's failed "War
on Drugs" that profit from the status quo. This "default" position
continues to squander billions of tax dollars and unjustly
criminalizes individuals with an indefensible double standard:
Alcohol and tobacco are legal products which adults may choose to use
or reject. The same rules and standards of free choice should also
apply to marijuana.

Various drugs have always been relatively easy for young people to
obtain despite laws prohibiting usage and age restrictions. The same
situation also already exists with marijuana, legal or not, so a
realistic and comprehensive educational effort (not hysteria) in
homes and schools is essential.

"Reefer madness" and assorted "gateway" and slippery slope arguments
are no more objectively valid than current preemptive and unjustly
disproportionate and punitive anti-pot laws are deserving of respect.

Bob Gordon

Kirkland