Pubdate: Fri, 04 Jun 2010 Source: El Paso Times (TX) Copyright: 2010 El Paso Times Contact: http://www.elpasotimes.com/townhall/ci_14227323 Website: http://www.elpasotimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/829 Author: Ricky Olivas CHANGE POLICIES ON MARIJUANA First, to letter writer Mike Kennedy: If it was up to people with certain mind sets, we would still be in Vietnam. More than 58,000 brave soldiers died; we had no business in Vietnam, and how can you compare World War II to Vietnam? It's apples and oranges. Juarez has had more than 5,000 murders in just two years. This includes innocent people and cartel members. In response to letter writer Mr. Padilla saying that Beto O'Rourke is turning El Paso into "Marijuana City:" It has caused taxpayers over $1 trillion to fight this so-called war on drugs, and we have not put a dent on the drugs coming into the U.S. I have some questions: When have you read about a tragic car accident where the driver was under the influence of marijuana? Speed and alcohol were the reasons. Have you ever read about someone who overdosed on marijuana? Never. It's prescription drugs and hard-core drugs. It's time we end prohibition and stop being so narrow-minded. I salute Beto for having the guts and intelligence to take a stance on marijuana legislation. Ricky Olivas Lower Valley - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D