A PEOPLE'S VICTORY IN THE WAR ON DRUGS

Re "Medical Pot Users Win Key Ruling," Dec. 17: The U.S. 9th Circuit Court
of Appeals' medical marijuana decision is really big news. Finally, a
federal court is willing to clear the sick off the war-on-drugs
battlefield. The decision is momentous not only for medical marijuana users
but for how it may very well define the overall reach of federal power
under the commerce clause. It's important for the federal government to be
reminded -- from its own courts -- that it has no general police power.
This decision sends just such a reminder. Let's hope that the Supreme Court
affirms the 9th Circuit's decision and tells the Drug Enforcement
Administration to stop arresting sick people.

Richard Glen Boire, Davis, Calif.