THE POINT

Editor,

We unequivocally support removing marijuana growing operations from
the Mendocino National Forest and all other public lands. We consider
this a no-brainer. However, it is our obligation as elected officials
to do more than simply line up behind what's popular. We also
consider it our duty to define solutions to long-standing problems.

The point we made at the Board of Supervisors meeting of August 2 was
that illegal growing on public lands will not end until the federal
laws are changed. We did not criticize Sheriff Allman's efforts, not
did we criticize the other jurisdictions - county, state, and federal
- - that participated in Full Court Press.

This is a time when government must spend its dollars wisely. It is
our shared opinion that the war on drugs is not a wise expenditure.
The horrors of the Prohibition era ended shortly after President
Roosevelt lifted the ban on alcohol. Interestingly, that's also when
our local alcohol industry began its steady ascent. We believe that
ending marijuana prohibition would have a similar beneficial effect.

John Pinches, Supervisor, District Three, Laytonville

Dan Hamburg, Supervisor, District Five, Ukiah