POLITICS AND POT

Re "Richardson content to start slow in '08 race," April 10

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson may want voters to believe that it
was politically "risky" -- and thus courageous -- for him to support
and sign medical marijuana legislation in New Mexico, but the polls
show otherwise. The latest national Gallup Poll on the issue found
78% of voters in support of medical marijuana. So Richardson gets to
have his cake and eat it too by taking a politically popular stand
while getting credit for being brave.

The real lesson is that politicians have finally started to catch up
with public opinion. Journalists and pundits should take note.

Bruce Mirken

Washington

The writer is communications director of the Marijuana Policy Project