Pubdate: Sun, 15 Oct 2000
Source: Providence Journal, The (RI)
Copyright: 2000 The Providence Journal Company
Contact:  75 Fountain St., Providence RI 02902
Website: http://www.projo.com/
Author: Ron Ruggier
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1369/a02.html
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1494/a06.html 
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1515/a06.html

STORY SMELLS WRONG

I don't believe in trial by newspaper. A man is innocent until proven 
guilty. But Johnston Mayor Bill Macera comes out of your Oct. 5 story 
literally smelling bad -- reeking of marijuana ("Johnston police: Mayor 
'smelled' of majijuana").

It would be a far more serious a matter if the mayor had been driving under 
the influence of the still-popular but still-illegal drug. I agree with 
Froma Harrop ("U.S. not going straight to pot," Commentary, Spt. 13: "Some 
day, the sale and possession of marijuana will be legal from sea to shining 
sea."

Bill Macera was my philosophy of religion instructor at CCRI. I got a B in 
his course. My impression of the ex-priest is that he is a good and decent 
man. But it is very challenging to reform Johnston, R.I.

I am not writing this letter under the influence of pot.

RON RUGGIERI

Warwick
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