RATIONAL THINKING OVER HYSTERIA

Gov. Robert Ehrlich acknowledges being one of the 75 percent-plus Americans
who believe that medical patients should be allowed legal, controlled
access to medical marijuana ("Governor will back medical marijuana," Jan. 17).

Nine states have legalized medical marijuana, affecting the lives of almost
a quarter of the U.S. population. Meanwhile, in Washington, President
George W. Bush and his drug czar, John P. Walters, insist that marijuana
has no medical value. They believe that cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis
patients who use it with the support of a licensed physician should be
arrested.

Thank God for leaders like Ehrlich, who have the integrity to promote
rational thinking over reefer madness hysteria.

Stephen Heath, Clearwater Fla.