LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

The recent letter from Thomas Keinz showcases the dishonesty of drug
war zealots, and their willingness to deceive the public. His
statement about legalizing violent and property crimes, while
obviously sarcastic, is a feeble attempt to obscure the fact that
smoking marijuana violates the rights of no one, and therefore does
not fit the definition of a crime. We advocate the legalization of
marijuana for adults only. After California legalized medical
marijuana for adults only, use by children in that state decreased,
not increased. Studies have not proved the "gateway theory," and it
is no longer touted by the Center for Alcohol and Substance Abuse. In
1988, the DEA's own administrative law judge, Francis L. Young,
conducted a thorough review of the evidence and ruled that marijuana
should be prescribable by doctors. He stated, "Marijuana in its
natural form is one of the safest therapeutically active substances
known to man." Even more evidence has been compiled since then, and
take note, Mr. Keinz, it supports our argument, not yours.

- - E. J. Pagel

Winnebago