THE CONSTITUTION SHOULDN'T BE A CASUALTY OF DRUG WAR

Prescription overdose deaths are now second only to motor-vehicle
crashes as a cause of death from unintentional injury. Television is
filled with pro-drug messages paid for by alcohol and pharmaceutical
companies. The Bush administration doesn't have a problem with
corporate drug pushers. But hoist a "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" banner at an
off-campus high school rally in Alaska, and you'll be fought all the
way to the Supreme Court.

It's not clear how this nonsensical phrase somehow merits limiting
free speech. Culture warriors in the White House seem to think the war
on pot is more important than the Constitution. Unfortunately, it
doesn't stop there: By raiding medical marijuana providers in
California, the very same Bush administration that claims illicit drug
use funds terrorism is forcing cancer and AIDS patients into the hands
of street dealers. Apparently, marijuana prohibition is more important
than protecting the country from terrorism, too.

Robert Sharpe,
Arlington, Va.