THE WAR ON DRUGS IS A LOSER; MARIJUANA IS AN HERB, LIKE OREGANO

Dr. Jan Eric Kiele argues that the state has the right and a necessity
to invade homes, ferret out the marijuana users and put them in prison
at gunpoint ("Bill's detractors fail to see dangers marijuana use
poses to society," April 13). He bases his argument on his
the-world-is-flat-type facts that people of ignorance used on Galileo.
His argument clearly has no basis in fact. I wonder why he doesn't
just say that using marijuana is a sin.

Fact: There is no correlation between marijuana and violent crime. In
fact, users often become docile.

Fact: Marijuana is a herb. So is oregano.

Fact: Marijuana does impair judgment and using it while operating a
vehicle should be illegal just like alcohol. There is no lethal dose of
marijuana.

Fact: There is no proof that casual use of marijuana is any more
harmful than going outside on a dusty day. Marijuana has several
medical uses.

Fact: The war on drugs is a loser. Dr. Kiele and the rest of his
right-wing cronies are wasting precious resources that could be used to
fight real crime or terrorism. Quit creating victimless crime.

William R. Williams

Anchorage