I was overjoyed to see that Frank Melton had been nominated for a post of critical importance to our state: director of the Bureau of Narcotics. Mr. Melton's comments on the problems that beset our city and state have been consistently on target and thought-provoking. Mr. Melton will bring a keen, impartial and analytical mind to this important post. I cannot think of anyone who would be more capable of making a difference in the fight to control illegal drugs.

Mr. Melton is obviously a man of great moral integrity.

William R. Jones Jr., Jackson

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I was overjoyed to see that Frank Melton had been nominated for a post of critical importance to our state: director of the Narcotics Bureau ("Melton tapped to be Miss. drug czar," Dec. 5).

Mr. Melton's comments on the problems that beset our city and state have been consistently on target and thought-provoking. To say that Mr. Melton might not be the man for the job is ludicrous. The president of the United States is not a general, yet he is in charge of the most powerful military force the world has ever known.

[continues 73 words]

President Bush took the advice of medical professionals on stem cell research, but when will he and Congress take that same advice on medical marijuana?

In 1978-1997, 35 states and Washington, D.C. passed legislation recognizing marijuana's medical value. It seems to me the public and the voters are way ahead of both the president and Congress on this issue.

Now the question should be, will they take the medical advice of physicians?

William O. Jones Jr.

Albany

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