GINGRICH'S VIEWS NEED EXAMINATION

To the editor

Newt Gingrich is now the leading contender for the Republican
nomination. Although his lead has put him under the spotlight, his
recent comments on drug policy have received little attention. For
example, Gingrich has spoken favorably of Singapore's approach, which
imposes corporal punishment and death for drug offenses.

"They have been very draconian," Gingrich says. "And they have
communicated with great intention that they intend to stop drugs from
coming into their country."

We view ourselves as a free country. The mainstream media must ask how
Gingrich would apply such contradicting values on Americans.

Gingrich also advocates the massive expansion of drug testing for
anyone receiving federal or state assistance. Evidently, he sees drug
testing as a policy only for the unemployed and poor. Why wouldn't he
include more affluent citizens in that stigmatizing category?

Finally, Gingrich has said he would continue to enforce the federal
law on medical marijuana.

"I think the California experience is that medical marijuana becomes a
joke," he said. "You find local doctors who will prescribe it for
anybody that walks in."

So Gingrich may be the presidential candidate of the party that
espouses a smaller government and respecting states rights. Would he
advocate more federal raids on marijuana dispensaries? Would he use
the military to enforce marijuana laws?

When the media accepts these short-sighted solutions without
questioning their ramifications, the voting public is denied the
debate that democracy requires.

WILLIAM AIKEN

Schenectady

Law Enforcement against Prohibition