ASK LAWMAKERS TO RESPECT PRIVATE ADULT ACTIVITIES WITHIN ALASKA HOMES

As we watch from our distant port here in Florida (where just 21 grams
of marijuana nets a lifetime of being a convicted felon), we had one
question for Alaskans to ask Gov. Frank Murkowski and the members of
your Legislature ("Marijuana bill would overwhelm local police," April
6).

The 40 members of the Alaska House represent on average about 16,000
constituents each. At the moment, the approximately 2,000 folks per
district who enjoy using marijuana responsibly are law-abiding
citizens. If a House member votes yes to Gov. Murkowski's bill, he
instantly deems these same 2,000 peaceful citizens to be criminals
worthy of arrest, prosecution and time in a jail cage.

Each senator (with about 32,000 constituents each) who backs Gov.
Murkowski will likewise make an average of 4,000 of their voters
instant criminals.

Readers are invited to contact their representative and ask if they or
their marijuana-using family members are to be made criminals or if
that representative will instead respect private adult activities
within the home, as the Alaska Supreme Court has already affirmed.

STEPHEN HEATH

Public relations director

Drug Policy Forum of Florida

Clearwater, Fla.