HUTCHINSON'S APPROACH SHOWS NO COMPASSION

I read Drug Enforcement Administration chief Asa Hutchinson's May 14 Forum
column, "Drug treatment needs accountability." Hutchinson said Americans
are compassionate people; unfortunately, this does not carry over to the DEA.

As head of the DEA and with the help of the U.S. Justice Department,
Hutchinson oversaw federal raids on California's voter- approved
medical-marijuana dispensaries. As a congressman, he opposed research into
marijuana's medical value and lobbied for federal legislation overturning
state medical-marijuana laws.

Without the dispensaries, thousands of cancer and AIDS patients are
otherwise forced to obtain their medication on the black market.

The American people in growing numbers no longer support wasting resources
and tax dollars chasing marijuana users, whether for medical or
recreational use.

SCOTT KERSCHNER Grove City