Pubdate: Mon, 16 Jul 2007 Source: Charlotte Observer (NC) Copyright: 2007 The Charlotte Observer Contact: http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n821/a03.html Author: Howard J. Wooldridge Note: The writer is education specialist, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. VIEW FROM EX-OFFICER: FOCUS ON DWIS, NOT POT In response to "Getting real about marijuana" (July 9 Viewpoint): As a retired police officer, I heartily endorse Kathleen Parker's call to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana. During my 18 years of service I was sent to zero calls generated by use of marijuana. Having police chase adult pot smokers means we miss drunk drivers, who killed 17,000 last year. We surely are a Thin Blue Line. Where should we focus our efforts? Howard J. Wooldridge Washington, D.C. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake