Pubdate: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 Source: Logan Banner, The (WV) Copyright: 2002 The Logan Banner Contact: http://www.loganbanner.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1640 Author: GS Browning LEGALIZING MARIJUANA Editor, Let's say smoking marijuana was legal... Okay... that means pilots and truck drivers can legally smoke and fly a plane or drive a tractor and trailer. How would Mr. Russell feel if he or a member of his family were involved in an automobile accident with a semi because the truck driver was so mellowed out he feel asleep at the wheel or was in a daze? Anytime there's an accident with a commercial semi, death or permanent injury usually results. As for West Virginia's devouring economy, I don't think the answer would be marijuana farming... they've been doing that for years, just as eastern Kentucky's coal region. Legalizing pot would be no more than when the prohibition law was amended... my ancestors made a living from brewing and selling moonshine. The answer lies in educating the younger generation; allow them to create jobs for the future and utilize West Virginia's natural resources... not to concentrate on legalizing or smoking marijuana. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. GS Browning Louisville, Ky. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth