Pubdate: Mon, 13 Jun 2005 Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA) Copyright: 2005 Union-Tribune Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.uniontrib.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386 Note: Does not print LTEs from outside it's circulation area. Author: Katrina Preece Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion) TAKING ISSUE WITH CRITICS, JUSTICES ON POT I was extremely dismayed by the colorful photos of marijuana used throughout this article. As a junior high English teacher, I have used newspapers in the classroom to teach students how to read and navigate the news. We have talked about the use of photos and their eye-catching and persuasive influence. It looks as though your newspaper is telling youth that marijuana is a run-of-the-mill drug that anyone should use. It is not. It is addicting, mind-altering and unhealthy. I was also disheartened by the casualness and outspokenness of the owners of local dispensaries about their involvement with an illegal drug. I do not like the notion that dispensary owners plan to continue operating and expanding their dispensaries in my community. Marijuana is a cash crop and these dispensaries will be a target for crime. My community does not need a "business" that attracts a criminal element. KATRINA PREECE Oceanside - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom