TRY A DIFFERENT APPROACH

Dear Editor,

The persistent county jail problems should be no surprise. What do
you expect when an intolerant majority makes criminals out of
substantial parts of the populace?

I am speaking of course, about the unjust and outright racist
marijuana laws of the state of Arkansas. These laws make simple
possession of the leafs of an herb a contraband crime punishable by
1-10 years, depending on priors. Although few are in county jail for
this type crime, there must be thousands in state prisons, taking up
space and causing the local backlogs.

In reality the problems at the jails are amongst the least of our
worries. For enforcing these insane laws contributes to a growing
disrespect for the rule of law. Hippies, Blacks, Hispanics and young
people who are the targets of this persecution, can rest assured that
the Baptist Plutocracy in charge cares little for them. They are
little but machine oil for an emerging police state.

Yet local governments are not powerless in the face of growing
tyranny. They could close their jails to marijuana crimes, instruct
their police or sheriff's departments to concentrate on violent
crimes. These actions would send a message to the do-nothing state
legislature, "Try something different!"

Twelve American States have decriminalized marijuana for personal use.
Two will vote on outright legalization this year. Where is Arkansas?
Stuck in the reefer madness of the 1930's, with a high violent crime
rate in our cities to show for it. Again, try something different!
Now would be a good time.

GLEN SCHWARZ

SW Little Rock