DRUG REFORM GROUP MUST BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY

To the editors:

The last issue of FM trivialized and misconstrued the goals of The Harvard
Coalition for Drug Policy Reform (THCDPR) in a story by Stephanie E. Butler
'03 (Magazine feature, "Stoners of the World, Unite!" March 14).

Our cause, an important political movement that seeks to hold the
government responsible for its failed and unjust policies, was given a
small column with a joke headline. We want to make it clear that the THCDPR
does not support the recreational use of marijuana or any other illegal
drug. We advocate the decriminalization of cannabis in general because we
refuse to believe that non-violent cannabis users are criminals-that is,
dangers to society who need to be locked up in prison. In fact, prison
often provides easier access to certain more dangerous drugs, thus
perpetuating, rather than solving, the drug epidemic that faces this
country today. Decriminalization would likely result in federal regulation
to ensure an age limit, a proper time and place for such use, and civil
penalties such as fines and community service for failure to abide by these
guidelines.

The officers and members of THCDPR are conscientious citizens who seek to
minimize the harms and risks of both drug use and drug policy in this
country. We hope that in the future The Crimson will treat our group more
seriously, as it would treat any other student group promoting political
education and reform.

Thomas J. Scaramellino '05

The writer is president of THCDPR.