DRUGS PRESENT DANGERS

The protection of millions of Americans' lives is continuing at this
very moment, thanks in part to the fact that millions of Americans are
arrested for illegal drug offenses every year. I am writing in
response to Asa Cooney's July 26 letter stating he felt marijuana laws
steal his liberty and stifle his pursuit of happiness and his interest
in expanding his mind.

I feel certain that if Cooney is really interested in expanding his
mind, surely he could find a more constructive, non-illegal,
non-threatening way to do so. I will even help him out with a few
suggestions: He could go to college to earn a degree, or he could read
encyclopedias, or even watch CNN. And if Asa were really interested in
standing up for himself, he could simply vote.

Asa and all other illegal drug users need to understand the reason for
their arrests. Local, state and federal governments can prosecute them
for their actions because there is no guarantee that the next time
they decide to get high they won't try to drive a vehicle down Main
Street. There is no guarantee that these drug users won't try to
injure someone. In their altered state of mind, they have slowed
reflexes, which could cause a fatal accident. I am sure these drug
users won't promise to stay home with their drugs, in their "pursuit
of happiness," as Asa put it.

Marijuana certainly "comes from the earth," but so does mud. Does that
mean you are going to consume mud? I hope not.

Marijuana alters thinking patterns and has dangerous, long-lasting
effects to drug users' health. But that's not what bothers me, because
it's their body they are ultimately harming. What concerns me is when
these people decide to get in their cars and ride around. Then they
are endangering others' lives, more specifically, mine and the
precious lives of my family and friends.

I will continue to hope that marijuana and all other illegal drugs
stay illegal.

Elisha Cox

Trinity