SOFT ON DRUG USE AND POSSESSION

Your story ("Metro must accept pro-marijuana ads," Metropolitan,
Friday) about the Justice Department declining to appeal a court
decision overturning a congressional amendment, which barred public
transit systems from accepting paid ads supporting reform of laws
regarding marijuana and other drugs -- misstated one key point: The ads
that reform groups such as ours have attempted to place are not
"pro-marijuana." They do not advocate use of marijuana or any other
drug. They simply advocate reconsideration of marijuana laws that
manifestly cause far more suffering and injury than marijuana itself.

We are not "pro-marijuana," just as the mothers who campaigned to
repeal Prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s were not "pro-booze." A
system of common-sense regulation would give society control over the
marijuana business. Prohibition -- just as with alcohol -- guarantees
that we have no control and gives an exclusive franchise to gangsters
and criminals. Attempts to stifle debate will not help America develop
more effective laws and policies.

BRUCE MIRKEN

Director of communications

Marijuana Policy Project

Washington