LAS VEGAS NEWSPAPER SUPPORTS POT LAW REFORM

National drug czar John Walters' vocal opposition to a Nevada referendum
that would legalize possession of modest amounts of marijuana attracted
criticism from the Las Vegas Review Journal Monday.

The newspaper's editorial writers chided Walters for making two personal
appearances in the state to urge opposition to Question 9, a ballot measure
that would allow adults in the Silver State to possess up to three ounces
of marijuana.

"Nevadans are capable of acting like grown-ups and deciding whether we wish
to maintain the current, Draconian set of penalties against the possession
and use of small amounts of marijuana," the newspaper said. "We need no
help from our 'betters' in Washington, D.C."

The Review Journal was critical of what it said was an extensive commitment
of "a considerable amount of energy and money to defeating Question 9."

The editorial also took exception to what it saw as scare tactics when
Walters called Question 9 a public safety issue even though the proposal
restricted marijuana possession to private homes preserved current
penalties for driving under the influence.