Pubdate: Thu, 18 Oct 2001
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA)
Copyright: 2001 Richmond Newspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www.timesdispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/365

U.S. POT LAWS SIMPLY GO TOO FAR

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

A recent correspondent ridiculed the idea of learning from the marijuana 
laws of the Netherlands. As is so often the case, the letter was contrary 
to fact in several respects. Likening Americans to children, with the 
government as the parent, is absolutely antithetical to traditional 
American values and to our Constitution. As Americans, we have the right to 
"the pursuit of happiness" in any manner we choose, so long as we don't 
infringe on the rights of others. Concommitantly, of course, we have to 
take the consequences of our actions.

In addition, the letter claims the Dutch Embassy admits that "there is not 
much difference" in juvenile marijuana use here and in the Netherlands. In 
fact, its report shows that Holland's rate of use is less than one-half the 
corresponding American rate (15.6 percent vs. 32.9 percent for "used once 
or twice"; 2.5 percent vs. 5.1 percent for "used in past month"). Other 
studies show an even greater disparity.

The writer was correct in admitting that the crime rate there, where 
private use and controlled distribution of marijuana are permitted, is far 
lower than is the case here, after decades of the "war on drugs." I don't 
know why he considers this an indictment of the Dutch experience. He also 
denies that legally controlled distribution here would diminish violence 
connected with illegal distribution as it has in the Netherlands, but he 
presents not a shred of evidence.

The marijuana laws have gone too far, and they need to be changed. That's 
why I'm voting for Libertarian Gary Reams for Lieutenant Governor in November.

Roy B. Scherer
Richmond
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MAP posted-by: Beth