Pubdate: Mon, 21 May 2001
Source: Anchorage Daily News (AK)
Copyright: 2001 The Anchorage Daily News
Contact:  http://www.adn.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/18
Author: Bret Kovar

SHEA'S FACTS ON MARIJUANA ARE SKEWED TO SUPPORT HIS OPINIONS

Wevley Shea states that "the moral foundation of our nation is founded on 
free, independent thinking. The ability to distinguish right from wrong and 
individual responsibility form the basis for our democratic republic" 
("Drugs attack society's moral fiber," May 16). Yet when the question 
relates to marijuana, Mr. Shea already has an answer for us.

Concerning his facts on hospital emergency rooms reporting a surging number 
of patients seeking medical treatment for marijuana, a study by Drug Abuse 
Warning Network shows that marijuana is the least mentioned illicit drug 
found. How many visits to the emergency room are a result of alcohol 
consumption?

The gateway theory is also explained by Mr. Shea to say that marijuana is a 
direct link to the consumption of more dangerous drugs. With the most 
common crime associated with marijuana being possession, why is Mr. Shea so 
fervent in his crusade? Does the fact that he is an attorney nominate him 
to be an authority on our "moral fiber"?

Mr. Shea compares the war on drugs to World War II and drug offenders to 
Hitler as well as being "one step up from child molesters." Is the genocide 
of millions and the spread of the doctrine of hate really comparable to the 
conflict we have over marijuana, or is Mr. Shea's opinion the only valid 
one to accept?

Bret Kovar
Anchorage
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MAP posted-by: Beth