Pubdate: Fri, 05 May 2006 Source: Iowa City Press-Citizen (IA) Copyright: 2006 Iowa City Press-Citizen Contact: http://www.press-citizen.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1330 Author: Thomas O'Connor Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/walters.htm (Walters, John) TELL DRUG CZAR TO START PACKING During the past week Sen. Charles Grassley with the support of Sen. Tom Harkin called for President Bush to fire John Walters, the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The ONDCP and John Walters have made marijuana use their primary focus in spite of the proliferation of methamphetamine. The agency, under his leadership, has not effectively addressed the more dangerous drugs in our society. Though I do not advocate the use of marijuana, it does not seem to be the dangerous drug that the ONDCP makes it out to be. To my knowledge, there has never been a single death directly attributed to someone smoking marijuana. Many report medicinal benefits from its usage. Why has the ONDCP continued its crusade against marijuana and not effectively addressed other more dangerous drugs available in our community? It's time for John Walters to go. Thomas O'Connor Coralville - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman