HEADLINE UNFAIR

For more than two years, as the federal lobbyist for the Marijuana
Policy Project, I have done everything in my power to convey a
positive and professional image on Capitol Hill. As I am sure you can
appreciate, this is especially important for a person in my position.
In fact, it could be the most important aspect of my job.

I was therefore shocked and disappointed when your paper's feature of
me was headlined "Serving as K Street's 'Pothead' Lobbyist" (March
22). Do you have any idea what that kind of a headline can do to
someone's reputation? And can you name another profession where using
a derogatory term to describe someone would be appropriate?

While I was proud of this article and am very proud of the work I do,
this headline has made me hesitant to show this article to my
daughters. I hope that you will be more careful in the future with
your headlines.

Steve Fox

Director of Government Relations

Marijuana Policy Project

Editor's note: The headline was based on an anecdote, which Fox
himself told Roll Call, about being called a "pothead" when he showed
up for his first meeting with a Member of Congress.