ILLEGAL CRIME

Johnson County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek's suggestion to decriminalize
possession of small amounts of marijuana was met with "reefer
madness" from state Rep. Clel Baudler (Feb. 9, "Sheriff: Tie Penalty
to Pot Amount"), who stated, "It sends the message that "OK, if you
are just a little crook, we're not going to really bother you.' "

Isn't that like saying it's a crime because it's illegal? I guess
it's only OK with Representative Baudler to suggest increasing the penalties.

You would think a law-enforcement official would know what
constitutes a serious crime. State legislators need to realize that
law-enforcement resources are limited. Jails should be a place for
people who represent an immediate danger to others.

What I can't figure out is why legislators love alcohol and hate
marijuana. What is so wonderful about alcohol, other than the money
the alcohol manufacturers spend on legislators' campaigns?

- - Carl Olsen

Des Moines.