Pubdate: Wed, 12 Jul 2000 Source: Journal Gazette (IN) Copyright: 2000 Journal Gazette Contact: 600 W. Main Street, Ft. Wayne, IN. 46802 Fax: (219) 461-8648 Feedback: http://www.jg.net/jg/emailform2.htm Website: http://www.jg.net/jg/ Author: Terry Giese Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n917/a05.html SOUDER ANTI-PRIVACY As a member of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, I take exception to Rep. Souder's letter of July 2. He stated that "NORML's sole mission in all its years of existence has been the legalization of marijuana for everyone." NORML's mission is quite simple; "No adult in the privacy of their own home should ever face criminal prosecution for the possession of this plant." Souder uses fear tactics to keep the war on marijuana alive by trying to make voters believe that NORML wants to turn our children on. Nothing is further from the truth. In every state where the citizens are allowed to vote on medical marijuana, it has been overwhelmingly accepted. The states are tired of wasting their limited tax dollars on arresting sick people. Quite wisely, they have decided to let the federal government do this. Souder bemoans the "well funded activists" who are trying to legalize this plant. He says nothing about the $7.5 billion dollars the federal government spends each year keeping this plant illegal. Talk about "well funded." Terry Giese, Fort Wayne - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D