PROPONENTS DISTORT THE TRUTH ABOUT MARIJUANA

The paid lobbyist from Washington, D.C. would have Nevadans believe that
those opposed to Question 9 are resorting to lies. Not true. The petition
that brought us to this point was circulated with lies, and proponents
continue to distort, hoping that the people of Nevada will believe there is
no harm in legalizing three ounces of marijuana.

When I appeared with Billy Rogers on a radio talk show, he cited figures
from Ohio, Arizona, Mississippi and two other states. I've since learned he
was spreading more propaganda. I was born and raised in Mississippi, so I
checked. Their laws are strict, contrary to what Rogers said.

Rogers concentrates on medical marijuana — not legalization of three
ounces. I am a recovering cancer patient. If I were on my deathbed, in
severe pain, I would not want to smoke marijuana to relieve the pain. I'm
not so selfish as to want something made available to young people and
others who become addicts.

The adverse ramifications to legalizing marijuana are horrendous. Talk to
law enforcement, to rehab centers, to recovering addicts, to AA and see the
results of addiction, with marijuana being the gateway to harder drugs.

Please vote no on 9.

Betty Kruk, Carson City

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is celebrating its 10th anniversary in
northern Nevada this year. We have provided support for many victims of DUI
crashes. In recent years, we have seen more crashes that involve drugs
(specifically marijuana) in addition to or instead of alcohol. The 1999
Nevada Legislature passed legislation establishing the definition and
threshold for many illegal substances as they relate to driving. This law
was recently upheld by the Nevada Supreme Court in the case of Jessica
Williams who killed six teens on a work crew in Las Vegas while driving
under the influence of marijuana and other drugs.

This month, Kimberly Kautz of Silver Springs pled guilty to two counts of
DUI (marijuana) causing the deaths of two girls, aged 11 and 14. In Reno
alone, at least two cases are pending for DUI (marijuana) crashes with a
total of seven dead victims. MADD's goal is no new victims, which can only
be accomplished by enforcing existing laws and educating northern Nevadans
to the dangers of drunk and drugged driving.

Question 9, the so-called Marijuana Initiative, contains language that will
undermine existing DUI law and lessen its deterrent value. Please vote NO
on Question 9.

Laurel Stadler, Dayton