DEFEAT CAN BE PINNED ON ANTI-DRUG STANCE

Congratulations to the fine people of Georgia for sending Bob Barr
where he belongs: out of politics and out to pasture. While reporters
nationwide are quick to say that Barr lost because of "redistricting,"
Barr lost because he was the most vehement anti-drug warrior in the
Congress and was targeted by various political groups, among them the
Libertarians with their "incumbent-killer strategy," for his views on
drugs/medical marijuana that apparently aren't shared by the majority
of residents in his own district.

I find it more than interesting that in all articles about this
election I've read so far, Barr's stance on medical marijuana or the
drug problem, and the fact that it cost him the election, have yet to
be mentioned in the "mainstream" press. But make no mistake about it.
The drug issue has taken its first political casualty. His name is Bob
Barr.

CHARLES FINK

Kapowsin, Wash.

WILL OF THE PEOPLE ABOUT DRUGS IGNORED

I hope the loss by Bob Barr sends a strong message to members of the U.S.
Congress: Medical marijuana is a popular issue with the people. The vast
majority of us are paying attention to who the drug war fanatics are.

People such as Barr are just plain dinosaurs who I hope will fade into
obscurity and the history books. People such as Barr just don't
understand that we cannot arrest our way out of this national drug
problem.

People such as Barr think 2.1 million is not enough people in prison.
People such as Barr think that 700,000 arrests for marijuana in our
country last year was not enough.

Let this be a lesson to members of Congress: if you ignore the will of the
people, we will fire you.

I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Georgia for
seeing through the hypocrisy and restoring the will of the people to
Congress.

I hope you will not soon forget the Libertarian Party's contribution
to this victory.

ANTHONY LORENZO

Lorenzo, of Tampa, is a member of the Florida Cannabis Action Network.