ARGUMENT TO KEEP POT ILLEGAL NEEDS EVIDENCE

Editor,

It's apparent that Joe Shaw was drunk when he wrote, "Marijuana's
illegality keeps more harmful drugs in check." Notice that Shaw does not
cite a single statistic or study to back his asinine assumption that
marijuana laws keep people from using hard drugs. The entire column is
based on his personal abstract philosophies.

May I present the facts? Shaw theorizes that if marijuana penalties were
relaxed, marijuana smokers would pursue harder drugs for the thrill of
their criminality. During the 1970s, several states decriminalized
marijuana including Colorado, Alaska and California. There was no
corresponding increase in hard drug use in those states following
decriminalization.

Secondly, the penalties for marijuana possession go far beyond a simple
ticket. Every year, the number of marijuana arrests nationally exceeds the
arrests for all violent crimes combined. More than 80 percent of all
marijuana arrests are for possession, not dealing. Where are the cops when
a woman is being raped? They're out busting someone for smoking a joint.

Lastly, I find it highly offensive when Shaw suggests people use marijuana
because they love breaking the law. Actually, the vast majority of the more
than 10 million regular marijuana smokers in this country are hard-working,
tax-paying, otherwise law-abiding Americans. We are responsible citizens
and have no desire to be in trouble with the law.

Marijuana laws need to be based on facts and science, not a bunch of B.S.
theories and personal beliefs. I suggest Shaw try and do the same thing
with his columns.

Kevin Killough, UNM student