WORK TOWARD CHANGE

Your editorial intent was not off base, but I submit Judge Gilbert could
redeem his credibility if he now spoke out against the absurdity of current
marijuana laws ("Leaving Gilbert on job is a blow to credibility," Sept.
28).

He could continue to acknowledge that his own use of pot violated the law as
written and then work actively to change the laws. Current laws are based on
the presumption that if someone uses marijuana they cannot be a productive
member of society and, in fact, are assured of failure in life. Gilbert's
success as a high-profile jurist provides stark evidence of how false this
presumption is.

He could easily do this by joining with a fast-growing group of police and
judges who believe the current laws criminalizing marijuana use are a
foolish use of criminal justice resources. They have organized as Law
Enforcement Against Prohibition, or LEAP.

However, should he fail to work for such change, he is thereby endorsing the
continuation of prohibition policies which jail thousands annually for doing
nothing worse than what he himself did. And that would indeed be incredible
behavior worthy of harsh criticism from both the press and the public.

Stephen Heath

Clearwater Fla.

Stephen Heath is with Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP), Florida
Office