Pubdate: Mon, 05 Mar 2012 Source: Anniston Star (AL) Copyright: 2012 Consolidated Publishing Contact: http://www.annistonstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/923 Author: Kirk Muse PROTECTING PEOPLE FROM THEMSELVES Re "Be wary of marijuana talk" (Speak Out letter, Feb. 8): I'm writing about the not-so-thoughtful letter from Speak Out writer Judy Lovejoy Elliott. There was no mention in her letter as to why adult citizens should be subject to arrest and jailed for growing or using a natural herb that has never killed a single person in the 5,000-year history of its use. How about no jail time for crimes that should not be crimes? In a marijuana transaction, there are willing buyers and willing sellers. Presumably, both will walk away happy unless one or both are arrested. Our government cannot protect adult citizens from themselves, and our government shouldn't attempt to do so. A so-called free country should be a truly free country - with adult citizens taking responsibility for their own behavior, whether it is wise or foolish. Kirk Muse Mesa, Ariz. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt