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 - --- MAP posted-by: Beth