Pubdate: Thu, 05 Oct 2000
Source: Fresno Bee, The (CA)
Copyright: 2000 The Fresno Bee
Contact:  http://www.fresnobee.com/man/opinion/letters.html
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Author: John Anderson

NO LAUGHING MATTER

Apparently columnist Eli Setencich thinks it amusing that law enforcement 
is attempting to eradicate marijuana growing in the rural areas of our 
counties. I do not. It is a felony to cultivate marijuana in any amount. To 
do so in gardens often exceeding 1,000 plants is a significant criminal 
enterprise.

Admit it or not, marijuana is a threshold drug that often introduces our 
children into more serious drug use. Law enforcement's efforts are not, as 
he terms it, "reefer madness," but rather a coordinated crusade to control 
outright lawlessness in our mountain areas. The people behind the growing 
of marijuana, in addition to cultivating an illegal substance, violate 
labor laws designed to protect migrant workers, illegally kill deer that 
might feed on their crops, pollute the ground with rat poison to ward off 
pests, trespass on private property, steal water and constitute an armed 
threat to fishermen, hunters and hikers.

Mr. Setencich's implied support of Proposition 36 is also misguided. 
Proposition 36 is a dangerous and misleading initiative. It seriously 
undermines California's legitimate drug treatment programs and weakens 
anti-drug laws by essentially giving felons a "get out of jail free" card, 
as there are no sanctions for failure to remain drug free, regardless of 
how many chances for rehabilitation are attempted.

Mr. Setencich is a talented and entertaining columnist. Perhaps, though, 
his satire should be limited to less serious matters.

John Anderson, Madera County Sheriff
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