Pubdate: 10 Mar 1999 Source: Cityview (IA) Contact: The Depot at Fourth, 100 4th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 Fax: 515-288-0309 Author: Richard Nordin REEFER AIN'T REAL LIFE People who advocate the legalization of marijuana, such as William Dean Hinton ("Is it time to decriminalize pot?" March 3 issue), always seem to miss a major difference between marijuana and alcohol, with which they often compare it. Physically, alcohol only directly affects those who choose to use it. Marijuana is a mind-altering substance to which others are exposed involuntarily by breathing the smoke. Do we want children growing up in homes where their minds are altered by second-hand marijuana smoke? Who is the designated driver among those who attend a reefer party? Not to say that alcohol consumption should be encouraged. Try getting a real life. There is a lot to live for and be enjoyed with sobriety. Richard Nordin Des Moines - --- MAP posted-by: Mike Gogulski