THE RIGHT TO TOKE

(Re: "Decriminalize it," Liberty Beat, Feb. 5.) Many kudos must go to Ari
Armstrong for his article on the decriminalization of drugs, marijuana
specifically. He shows intelligence and depth in his articles.

My sister died a little over a year ago, and she thanked me often in the
two weeks before she died for providing her a day of relaxation, a meal she
could keep down and laughter. She had never done drugs or alcohol in her 52
years.

Complete legalization of drugs should be sought, especially marijuana (to
be treated no less liberally than alcohol). Yes, some will abuse, and some
will die. One can easily predict that a surge in use will occur, then
decline, to a plateau relative to other "controlled" substances that are
just as "dangerous," or more so.

It's not up to the nanny state to dictate what we shall see, hear, taste,
feel, touch or ingest, whether it is drugs, alcohol, coffee, sugar, fat,
meat, carrots, pornography, adrenaline and so on. It's up to us, period!

Deb Hamm/via Internet