Pubdate: Tue, 17 Jul 2001
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA)
Section: Style Weekly, Letters
Copyright: 2001 Richmond Newspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www.timesdispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/365
Author: Roy B. Scherer
Note: The writer is a volunteer with Reams' campaign

SAY 'REFORM,' NOT 'LEGALIZE'

Thank you for John Toivonen's fine article explaining how Gary Reams' 
Libertarian campaign for lieutenant governor will help to reform Virginia's 
marijuana laws ["Joint Referendum," June 26]. I do need to correct one error.

The headline suggests that the purpose of the campaign is "to legalize 
pot." That's certainly one way to improve the current law, but it's not the 
goal of the Reams Reeferendum. We want the votes of every citizen who 
agrees that the law has gone too far and should be reformed. Once consensus 
is reached on that point, we can decide on specifics.

Some people want distribution only through pharmacies, by prescription, for 
medicinal purposes only; some suggest a government monopoly, as we have 
with liquor; some want strict regulation, as we have with beer; some want a 
totally free market. Some people would like to buy birdseed with hemp in 
it, which would be illegal under current law. Any of these scenarios would 
be better than the tragic farce we have now.

Roy B. Scherer
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MAP posted-by: Beth