Pubdate: [Sun, 24 Nov 1996]
Source: Herald, Everett (WA)
Author: Michael F. Marion

Regarding "Money buys drug legalization," by New York Times columnist A. M.
Rosenthal in the Nov. 18 Herald:.

Mr. Rosenthal's article is outrageous yellow journalism meant to
distort, confuse, and inflame.  He and those of his ilk would like to
quash all discussion by those opposed to his kind of flawed thinking.

How dare Mr. Rosenthal compare the money donated for advertising of
Propositions 215 in California and Proposition 200 in Arizona to illegal
"drug money"? Does he not know the difference? Does he really believe that
there is some kind of conspiracy by Mr. Soros and others?  Is he really
serious in asserting that there is no legitimate interest or support from
professional medical groups and individuals? Does he really believe that
those who are questioning our current policies want drugs to flow freely to
our children? Does he really think that the citizens of California and
Arizona are stupid?

With the passage of these propositions the voters have said, "Enough!"

Enough, of overburdened courts, and the building of more and more prisons
with our hard-earned tax money.

Enough, of releasing truly dangerous criminals because the prisons are
overflowing with low level, non-violent drug offenders.

Enough, with the eroding of our civil liberties based upon a noble cause
but fatally flawed policies.

Enough, with innocent people being the subjects of forfeiture of their
homes and cars for the flimsiest of reasons, in the name of the "Drug War."

Enough, with illegal drugs being readily available to our children because
of total non-regulation of currently black market drugs.

Enough, with the government forbidding legitimate research into the medical
efficacy of marijuana.

Enough, with the "drug police" making decisions that are the business of
doctors and their patients only.

Enough, with the suffering of sick people forbidden to use medicine that
works for them.

Enough is enough.

Michael F. Marion

Marysville, WA