Pubdate: Wed, 26 Feb 1997
Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL)
Author: Arthur R. Sobey

Reference the column by Mary Mitchell, "Advising kids to say "no" when
you said "yes". 2-16-97.

Dear Editor,

The maxim, "truth is the first casualty of war", is particularly true in
the War on Drugs. A prohibition, accompanied by harsh sanctions, is a sure
stifler of truth.

Mary Mitchell spoke from her heart in her courageous column. While I
applaud Mary, I don't condemn those who are silenced by fear of
imprisonment, job loss and public ostracism. Protection of self and family
must come first for most of us.

Predictably, the imprisonment of tax paying pot smokers and the destruction
of their families has failed to show any success in halting the flow of
drugs to school children. Zero tolerance "reefer madness" propaganda has
also failed. When intelligent teens, like Marys son, seek out authority
figures for guidance on marijuana, they are entitled to the same truths
they are taught in Math or English.

Arthur R Sobey