LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA IS LONG OVERDUE

Some people in this nation, including recent letter-writer Steven Lusk,
have been imprinted so heavily with government prohibition propaganda that
they just don't seem to be able to make any sense of drug policy any more.

To compare decriminalization of marijuana with decriminalization of murder
is like comparing a terrorist attack to a construction job. One act
involves the non-consensual injury of an unknowing party and therefore
demands government intervention. The other has two consenting parties and
doesn't impede the freedom of others and is therefore not fundamentally
criminal.

The "war on drugs" in this country has long since failed. After locking up
millions and spending billions only to see our drug problems worsen, it
should be clear that prohibition will never work.

I do agree that simple decriminalization is not the answer. It is long
since time to legalize and tax marijuana, and use the revenues to fund
education and health care, including drug education and addiction treatment.

Justin Holmes

Binghamton