THE MARIJUANA WAR

Re "Pot lobbed to City Council" (Downstroke, Sept.
23):

Although we commend the Chico Planning Commission for its efforts to
draft an ordinance regulating the growing and distribution of
medi-pot, its meeting Sept. 16 was another lesson in futility. As long
as we are clouded by so much deep-rooted fear and prejudice, we can
never legislate intelligently.

I was particularly offended by one commissioner's insistence that we
keep dispensaries and collectives as far away as possible from schools
and day-care centers so we don't expose our children to this "criminal
element."

This whole mess has turned into a war where on one side we have tens
of thousands of patients with serious medical needs; probably about
twice that many who use the herb responsibly but in a more
recreational manner; and the hundreds of thousands who support their
right to determine what medicine they put in their body, without
government interference.

On the other side is a small minority of misinformed, brainwashed
do-gooders and, of course, all members of law enforcement (who want to
keep their jobs).

The problem here is that it only takes a few of these people in
positions of power to keep throwing sand in the engine of progress.

By the way, looking for loopholes to completely ban dispensaries is
not an option! We will be treated like liquor stores and pharmacies,
and with respect.

Robert Galia

Chico