DRACONIAN HARSHNESS OF OUR DRUG LAWS

To the Editor:

In "Federal Persecution" (editorial, May 31), you call for fair play
and justice in the sentencing of Ed Rosenthal, a medical marijuana
advocate, in California. I agree. The draconian harshness of our drug
laws results in too many miscarriages of justice. It is a cruel irony
that this country is among the world's leaders in the incarceration of
its citizens.

I do question, however, the phrasing of your conclusion: "There is consider
able political pressure on federal judges now not to deviate from federal
sentencing guidelines." Political pressure brought by whom?

William J. Kelly Jr.

Stockholm, N.J.