KHAT? WHAT?

Re: "Ancient use, new import--Drug Agents: 'Khat' Leaf an Illegal Stimulant
With Growing Niche in Dallas," by Todd Bensman, metro, June 27. It looks
like "khat" is going to be our next marijuana. Right now, most Americans
have never heard of khat. That will soon change.

Prior to the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, the vast majority of
Americans never heard of marijuana. Now almost everybody knows what
marijuana is and the U. S. government estimates that at least 76 million
Americans have used it.

Marijuana prohibition has been very successful. Successful in promoting
the use of marijuana.

Soon politicians will hold hearings on the evils of khat. Soon the same
politicians will declare that American children must be protected from khat.

Soon khat will be a household word. Soon our jails and prisons will be
filled with khat users and dealers.

Isn't it great to have our politicians protect us from khat?

Kirk Muse

Mesa, AZ