CHILL! CHILL! CHILL!

Letter writer John English's objections to the media activism from
those who disagree with Governor Frank Murkowski's attempt to make at
least 60,000 otherwise law abiding citizens Instant Criminals was
laughable ("Also, hemp pants are dumb," letters, May 5).

English says "those in favor of legalizing [cannabis] usually admit
using." A look at the 2004 election tells us that almost 44 percent of
Alaska voters said yes to codifying into law legal marijuana
possession by adults. This number contrasts with figures from the
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, which show that
only a bit more than 10 percent of American adults admit to using
cannabis. We can reasonably conclude that for every adult users of
cannabis, there are three or more non-users who endorse ending the
criminal prohibition of cannabis for responsible adult use.

As for comparative financing: It is estimated that billionaire
philanthropist George Soros did indeed contribute upwards of $10
million last year towards nationwide efforts to change status quo drug
policies. But the ONDCP spends that much on anti-drug advertising
every 48 hours.

Finally, it seems absurd that John English would be critical of
efforts to legalize cannabis for medical use. To actively oppose such
efforts makes clear that he believes a patient using cannabis with the
recommendation of their doctor should be subject to arrest,
prosecution and time in prison.

And we offer a friendly closing note to English's writing style. It
has been our experience that anyone who concludes eight of his nine
sentences with an exclamation point is bordering on hysteria. Perhaps
a small tincture of medical cannabis daily might help?

ALLISON BIGELOW

Mount Vernon, Washington