To the editor: I will not comment on the merit of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, except that the Delta Democrat Times' comment about "[coddling the] lawless element" seems to imply that cops telepathically know that they are knocking the door down of a criminal's abode. Shame on this, as many innocents have been terrorized, and even killed, by this practice. No, instead I want to express my sheer amazement that the newspaper had the audacity to raise that Fascist-apology: "If you have nothing to hide there should not be a problem." That broad swath of a justification, if swallowed (and it has been in societies hostile to freedom), is the kernel of sheep-like submission to government force. Shame on you. Michael J. Petro, Phoenix [end]
RE: "GROUP wants pot test for loaded drivers," Nov. 4. First, let me apologize for weighing in on your marijuana debates from down south here, what with U.S. drug policies being as lunatic as they are. Permit me to point out, however, that your police officers and MADD activists are well aware that toking and driving occurs now, without the proposed decriminalization. While one may debate whether drug-impaired driving measures and roadside tests need be developed, the fact remains that this question is disconnected from the overall policy debate. Are they seriously trying to say that they don't see the need for these measures as long as marijuana remains criminalized? I seriously doubt it. Their "concerns" are obviously a red herring, as they are unable to confront your continuing liberalization directly. Michael J. Petro, Phoenix, Arizona (Mad about MADD.) [end]
