MARIJUANA RAIDS ONLY WASTE MONEY

This letter is concerning the recent article titled "Wayne Cracking
Down on Marijuana."

Token marijuana eradication efforts have an insignificant impact on
local supply. Meanwhile, money spent on these token efforts means
fewer funds for education. Already West Virginia ranks 47th out of 50
states in per capita spending on K-12 education.

But even if all of the marijuana grown in West Virginia were
eradicated, tons grown in other states and countries would still be
imported. National studies show that children have an easier time
obtaining marijuana than alcohol or tobacco.

Despite its illegality, marijuana is ubiquitous in America. And
concerning marijuana's relative dangers, more people are killed
annually taking over the counter pain killers than marijuana.

Granted, marijuana is not totally harmless, but neither are tobacco or
alcohol. Yet the government spends billions annually exaggerating its
dangers and jailing those who possess or sell it.

Regardless of the message intended, the message received by kids is
that the Feds are lying to them about marijuana and maybe they are
also lying about methamphetamine, Oxycontin, heroin and cocaine.

The Feds have lost all credibility with kids on the drug issue. They
should end these harmful policies. State and local authorities should
ignore the Feds' war on marijuana and spend more money on education.

Thomas Hillgardner

Jamaica, N.Y