Pubdate: Wed, 06 Feb 2002
Source: Dallas Morning News (TX)
Copyright: 2002 The Dallas Morning News
Contact:  http://www.dallasnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/117
Author: Denton Ramsey
Note: From DMN Cyberletters Page

SUPER BOWL XXXVI FULL OF SURPRISES

On Super Bowl Sunday, the New England Patriots shocked the world by 
knocking off the St. Louis Rams, 20-17.

But that's not the only thing that shocked me on Feb. 3.

I was also shocked by the anti-drug ad campaigns featuring a story line 
that "if you purchase drugs, you might be supporting terrorists."

It seems to me the anti-drug campaign has gone too far. Now, the fact that 
an individual is "anti-the drug war" makes them "a supporter of terrorism."

This is wrong for the anti-drug campaigners to make a false statement 
concerning terrorism just to try to win the war on drugs ... a war which 
can never be won.

I am a firm believer in our government's military strength and completely 
support President Bush as well as America in the war on terrorism.

However, I do not support the war on drugs, nor do I support the latest 
anti-drug ad campaigns.

I am proud to be an American and I love my country. But just because I may 
decide to smoke a joint and purchase a sack of marijuana do not make me 
pro-terrorism.

There are certain drugs in this country, such as marijuana, which can be 
used medicinally and are far less harmful and addictive than legal drugs 
such as alcohol, caffeine and nicotine.

Our government needs to reconsider how it approaches "the war on drugs."

Legalization of some drugs is an option that I support. I don't believe 
that all drugs should be legalized, but certain drugs should at least be 
"decriminalized." It's ridiculous that they are so many people thrown in 
jail every year just for the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

It's time for our government to make a change in the right direction by 
decriminalizing certain drugs such as marijuana and look into rehab over 
jail time concerning other drugs.

Don't start pointing fingers at people who are against the war on drugs by 
saying people like us might be supporting terrorism.

I understand where the anti-drug campaign is coming from, but the "drug 
money" that supports terrorism is the purchasing of far more harmful drugs 
such as cocaine, heroin and opium.

I love my country, but I do not agree with the way our country is tackling 
the war on drugs. It's time to take a closer look at how we are handling 
the war on drugs; a war which has proven to be a failure.

DENTON RAMSEY
Waco, Texas
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