MORE OPINIONS ON POT FROM NEAR AND FAR (2 OF 6)

(Recent letters about Question 9) make the mistake of lumping marijuana
with all other illegal drugs.

The initiative before Nevada voters does not endorse the free use of
marijuana. It simply recognizes the reality that adults who responsibly use
marijuana should not be a priority of law enforcement.

The nation's and Nevada's criminal justice system - from the cop on the
beat, to the courts, jails, prisons and probation and parole system - are
far too overloaded to handle the continued prohibition of marijuana, a
prohibition enacted 65 years ago with very little debate, and against the
wishes of the AMA and ABA.

Marijuana prohibition never was based on any scientific evidence, just
reefer madness hysteria drummed up to demonize minorities.

In these times, the war on terror and corporate crime along with serving
and protecting the public should be priority one, and the war on marijuana
should not even be on the radar screen. Current law makes it easier for
kids to get pot than people who use it medically, or even adults who use it
responsibly. Nevadans should pass Question 9 and send a strong message that
it's time for some common sense.

Gary Storck

Madison, Wis.