ALTERED MINDS

[Re: "Lies, Damned Lies, and Marijuana," July 19] It's good to see
exposure of the hypocrisy called marijuana prohibition. Any list of laws
that serve no useful purpose must put marijuana prohibition at the top.
America's politicians have wedded themselves to Reefer Madness fables,
fictions, and false witness for so long that the only hope for change is
to vote these sleazeballs out of office.

What is a representative worth if he/she is too stupid or too
hidebound to see the truth about marijuana. Anyone who supports
punishment for a "marijuana crime" does not deserve to hold public
office. Citizens serving on juries must deliver simple justice by
refusing to convict in "marijuana only" cases. A very good reason for
refusing to issue any guilty verdicts is the fact that the money
wasted on enforcement, courts, and prisons by itself could save Social
Security.

Ralph Givens

Daly City, California