LIVING LIFE SHOULD BE WONDERFUL ENOUGH WITHOUT DRUGS

It was intriguing that the Feb. 5 letters included four from out of state
suggesting loosening or removing the laws on marijuana, and in one case
illegal or controlled drugs in general.

As a Maui resident, I take exception to this premise primarily because it
has been tried before and it didn't work (pre-1900). Such statements as
people have a "right" to do whatever they want by ingesting illegal drugs
because it doesn't hurt anyone else is both untrue and just plain stupid.
How many parents have had their lives ruined by the drug use and/or death of
a loved one. Most people know that the "stupid" behavior of many people who
work in contact with the public is in many cases not stupidity, but a little
nonhabit forming weed.

I think most people realize that there may well be some medical benefit to
marijuana, but the downside risk far exceeds the gain. Make it a substance
that can be dispensed by a qualified doctor? Probably a good idea.

I always ask if there is there any benefit to be gained by using illegal
drugs? None that I know of, other than it makes the user feel good or, more
correctly, different. This is the 21st century, grow up and join the sober
world. It's wonderful!

Tony Fisher

Kihei