THE CASE AGAINST LEGALIZATION

Please allow me to comment on the New Times article, "Marijuana Mayhem"
(Nov. 21). I'm no fan of the drug establishment, nor President Bush, but I
wish to present further evidence with implication for rape and assault victims.

Pot can, and does, incite violence in some people. I knew a streetperson
I'll call Frahnk who volunteered that he smoked pot in preparation for brawls.

"I like the stuff. It makes me mean and gets my juices flowing," he told
me. He also bragged of never losing a fight. Frahnk had been busted many
times and had assaulted his father, who was in a wheelchair.

There is little balance in "Marijuana Mayhem." The government, MADD, and
former pot smokers who learned the hard way are ridiculed, and reasons for
their opposition to legalizing marijuana are ignored. Dangers of prolonged
pot use and responsibilities of smokers aren't mentioned. Frahnk's case is
instructive. New Times isn't perfect, but it can be better.

Steve T. Kobara, San Luis Obispo