Pubdate: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 Source: Tribune Review (Pittsburgh, PA) Copyright: 2013 Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/letters/send/ Website: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/460 Author: Joe Hessom DEATH FOR DEALERS This is in response to the letter "Legalize cannabis for adults" (Oct. 16), written by the deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Legalizing marijuana will only accelerate the rapid decline of the United States. Experts tell us marijuana is a gateway drug to others, such as heroin, methamphetamine, etc. Here is what really needs to happen to help our country: Make drug dealing a capital offense. This will make dealing the most dangerous occupation there is. Screen law enforcement and those in the justice system to ensure they are not current or former drug users. For example, we do not want any judges who were cocaine users in the '70s. Make drug tests mandatory for welfare recipients. Narcotics users certainly are not trying to get a job, as most companies require pre-employment drug screening. Pass tougher laws against drug users. Eliminating users puts the dealers out of business. We live in a country where, if people choose, they can get a roof over their head, food and clothing. Sadly, some people find their lives so miserable that they must alter their state of mind. I humbly beseech dope users to send their drug money to unfortunate children overseas instead of altering their minds. What we need in our country is fewer dopeheads and more law-abiding patriots. Joe Hessom Allegheny Township - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom