BROADEN THE DISCOURSE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES

I applaud The Star's call for a frank discussion of public safety issues
facing this community (Aug. 11 editorial). However, it needs to go beyond
the "politics as usual" attitude displayed by Republicans and Democrats.
There should be input from other political parties, organizations that deal
with social problems and informed and concerned citizens.

The current powers that be have caused this mess. They've made a lot of
money from some poor decisions they've made, and I'm not convinced they
will do what is necessary to solve the massive problems our community
faces. There are a number of additional political parties and organizations
that have fresh ideas about solving these problems.

Among them are the Marion County Green Party, the Libertarian Party and the
Indiana Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

I include Indiana NORML because the majority of those overcrowding the jail
have violated nothing more than laws against possessing marijuana. Those
laws need to be drastically altered. Society will greatly benefit,
particularly in preventing the release of violent criminals, if marijuana
users were neither jailed nor otherwise harmed.

This community certainly needs better ideas than what we have seen
developed by those currently in power.

Neal Smith

Indianapolis