I would like to make an addendum to the fine Talk of the Town written by County Attorney Sheila Polk ("Think Marijuana is harmless? Think again," Sept. 7).

As a retired law enforcement officer and supervisor of a narcotics detail, I can unequivocally say that while recreational use of marijuana will not necessarily lead to harder drugs (meth, cocaine, heroin, PCP, etc.), the vast majority of hard drug users started on marijuana.

Larry Richey

Prescott

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To the Editor;

This is in response to Jim White's scathing letter concerning the DARE program.

One might wonder where Mr. White gets his "scientific" and "empirical" evidence, because it certainly isn't consistent with what I've observed first-hand as a parent of two DARE grads.

Has Mr. White ever attended a DARE class or a graduation ceremony?Has he ever talked with even one kid who has graduated from the DARE program?

I don't know about other school district but here in Oregon our DARE officer is loved by all the fifth grade students. He is dedicated to the kids in all four elementary schools, and makes learning to say "No!" to drug and violence a fun yet practical experience.

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