NICER WORLD IS POT'S RESULT

To the editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to respond to J.R. Baldwin (Ottawa's
consideration of pot decriminalization a waste of taxpayers' dollars, May,
16, 2003) who believes even the contemplation of the legalization of
marijuana is a waste of taxpayers' time and money. Contrary to popular
belief, pot smokers (and I know many) are not all useless, free-loading
hippies. Some are valued members of society such as doctors, lawyers,
teachers, and dare I say it, police officers.

What if Twiggy had "danced with Mary Jane." Maybe it would have increased
her appetite and therefore stopped her grotesque mark from being made on
society's idea of beauty.

Let's look at Hitler, Stalin and Mussolini. Would they have been nicer
people if they had "rocked the gange." Some of the most beautiful melodies
were written and performed while under the influence. Marijuana has been
attributed to the opening of the mind,and many of its users claim to "see
the world as a more beautiful place." Don't we need more of that?

Angela Packer

Peterborough