READERS SOUND OFF ON POT ISSUE

What is disturbing about politicians such as Democratic gubernatorial
candidate Rod Blagojevich admitting to having smoked marijuana earlier in
life is how, instead of using it to warn young people on its dangers and
what it can lead to, they phrase their admission to score points across the
political spectrum.

Liberals such as Blagojevich hope to impress the right with their candor
and the left by seeming to be a real cool dude. Blagojevich, instead of
merely admitting using marijuana and hoping we move on, should be using the
bully pulpit his campaign affords him to shout from the rooftops warnings
on using marijuana or any drug under any circumstances. ... Marijuana use
is not okay, and it is dangerous.

Marijuana is a gateway to drugs like heroin and cocaine. ... Marijuana use
is highly correlated with future hard drug use, crime, and serious heath risks.

It is not merely a youthful indiscretion.

Daniel John Sobieski, Chicago