MARIJUANA DEBATE TAINTED

A July 2 letter by a "substance-abuse prevention educator" points out
the problems with attempts at an intellectual discussion on the
subject of medicinal marijuana with those who have such an obvious
bias; their job depends on the illegality.

Quoting a source such as The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, which depends on funding, means they will be obviously
opposed -- indeed, they depend on marijuana "crime" to justify their
jobs, although there is no real research.

Cliches such as "Marijuana has the same effect" ... "Marijuana is a
drug" ... "Research shows ..." don't convince anyone of anything,
except perhaps how much a real discussion with someone determined to
keep their job is doomed.

Those dependent upon government funding for their livelihood should
stick to reminding us of their sincere desire to keep their jobs.
Please don't confuse that with a reckless disregard of the sanity or
even fairness of misguided support of the failed "war on drugs" that
somehow came to include this harmless herb.

Angelo J Anello

Binghamton