Pubdate: Thu, 29 Jul 2004 Source: Herald-Dispatch, The (Huntington, WV) Copyright: 2004 The Herald-Dispatch Contact: http://www.hdonline.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1454 Author: Thomas Hillgardner Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1055/a03.html MARIJUANA RAIDS ONLY WASTE MONEY This letter is concerning the recent article titled "Wayne Cracking Down on Marijuana." Token marijuana eradication efforts have an insignificant impact on local supply. Meanwhile, money spent on these token efforts means fewer funds for education. Already West Virginia ranks 47th out of 50 states in per capita spending on K-12 education. But even if all of the marijuana grown in West Virginia were eradicated, tons grown in other states and countries would still be imported. National studies show that children have an easier time obtaining marijuana than alcohol or tobacco. Despite its illegality, marijuana is ubiquitous in America. And concerning marijuana's relative dangers, more people are killed annually taking over the counter pain killers than marijuana. Granted, marijuana is not totally harmless, but neither are tobacco or alcohol. Yet the government spends billions annually exaggerating its dangers and jailing those who possess or sell it. Regardless of the message intended, the message received by kids is that the Feds are lying to them about marijuana and maybe they are also lying about methamphetamine, Oxycontin, heroin and cocaine. The Feds have lost all credibility with kids on the drug issue. They should end these harmful policies. State and local authorities should ignore the Feds' war on marijuana and spend more money on education. Thomas Hillgardner Jamaica, N.Y - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin