HYPOCRITICAL STANCE

Nolan Finley's recent column about "marijuana hypocrisy" was itself riddled
with hypocrisy.

Finley repeatedly described marijuana use in negative terms; "bad choices,"
"poor choices" and "marijuana has its own set of negatives" were the words
he used. He even pleaded that "... hopefully teens understand that pot isn't
good for them."

Amazingly, he then wrote in favor of legalizing marijuana. He argued that
because 40 percent of teens have tried marijuana, we need to surrender (his
word, not mine). Finley should examine the facts, not the hype supplied by
the pro-legalization crowd. All credible statistics show that our education
efforts about the dangers of pot use are in fact paying off, especially when
it comes to America's future generation.

These statistics are welcome news in the face of ominous new research
released last month showing a direct link between marijuana use and
increased mental health problems.

JAMES J. HALUSHKA

Deputy Prosecutor - Warrants & Investigations

Oakland County

Prosecutor's Office

Pontiac