Pubdate: Wed, 28 Apr 2004
Source: Watertown Daily Times (NY)
Copyright: 2004 Watertown Daily Times
Contact:  http://www.wdt.net
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/792
Author: Lee Monnet
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04.n604.a04.html

A NEEDED DISCUSION

In response to "Get Back to Agenda", it seems the writer is disturbed
that Mayor Jeff Graham questioned the enforcement of marijuana laws. 
In a free and open society everyone has the inalienable right to voice
their opinion on government or laws.  Personally, I respect the Mayor
for discussing this issue.

As massive budget deficits at the Federal, State, and local levels are
becoming a huge burden on all taxpayers, perhaps it's time we reassess
the way our tax dollars are being spent, including the arresting and
jailing of marijuana users.

The writer is also concerned about the kind of example the Mayor is
setting for others to follow, but what kind of example is the
Government setting by trampling on the Bill of Rights in an attempt to
enforce marijuana laws, or denying terminally ill people the right to
use marijuana to alleviate their suffering.

As parents we all want to shield our children from drugs and alcohol
but a distinction must be made between adults and children. It seems
that as this country becomes more politically correct our ability to
openly discuss social issues such as marijuana laws diminish.

Lee Monnet

Ogdensburg
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