Pubdate: Fri, 31 Aug 2001
Source: Sacramento Bee (CA)
Copyright: 2001 The Sacramento Bee
Contact:  http://www.sacbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/376
Author: Richard Tobias
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1563/a04.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

DRUG WAR CYNICISM

Re "Hutchinson's turn," editorial, Aug. 25: America's "cynicism" about our 
drug wars is derived from government's simplistic and false propaganda, 
which insists that marijuana is as dangerous as heroin and cocaine.

With this propaganda in mind, the notion of marijuana as a gateway drug 
suddenly becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. A first-time user, finding the 
effects of pot less horrendous than advertised, is quite likely to think 
maybe heroin and meth aren't so bad either.

- --Richard Tobias, West Sacramento
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MAP posted-by: GD