DOC'S WRONG ON MEDICAL POT

So Dr. Andrea Barthwell believes her experience fighting the war on
drugs and her moderate views could make her just the candidate to step
in for Republican Senate nominee Jack Ryan ["Doctor explores running
for GOP Senate seat," metro story, July 10]?

Her service in the drug czar's office was anything but moderate. Since
being appointed in December 2001, Barthwell has been running around
the country, lying about medical marijuana and trying to subvert the
will of the voters and legislatures of the 11 states that have
legalized medical marijuana since 1996.

Barthwell is way out of touch with the 70 percent to 80 percent or
more of Americans who believe the sick and dying should have legal
access to medical marijuana if their doctors agree. There are already
enough closed-minded and intolerant U.S. senators who revel in keeping
this tool from doctors and their patients. Barthwell would only make
things worse.

Gary Storck,

Madison, Wis.