Pubdate: Thu, 19 Apr 2001 Source: Press Democrat, The (CA) Copyright: 2001 The Press Democrat Contact: http://www.pressdemo.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/348 Author: Martin Gifford QUESTIONING LAW EDITOR: I am frankly concerned at the harshness of our current marijuana laws. Why is marijuana illegal? Why is it that you can turn any corner and buy a beer or any alcoholic drink? Why is there so much money spent on alcohol sales each year, but if I want to smoke a joint in the privacy of my own home I am a criminal? The state makes a lot of money on repossessed homes and property taken from marijuana growers. Paid informants also make a lot of money. Apparently, it's about the money, not the substance. Why do our hard-working and under-appreciated law enforcement officers have to waste their time arresting common, hard-working Americans who just want to smoke marijuana? How many of you ever missed a day of work because of a hangover? Drug addict! Martin Gifford, Santa Rosa - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D