Pubdate: Mon, 27 Jun 2011 Source: Seattle Times (WA) Copyright: 2011 The Seattle Times Company Contact: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409 Author: Joan Temple OTHER DRUGS A PROBLEM TOO The statement that legalizing marijuana would decrease crime and violence in Mexico is an insult to the thinking mind. The drug wars include cocaine, methamphetamines and heroin as well. Legalize all of that and you have Mexican corporations still fighting competitors. The demonstrations to legalize marijuana show supporters in their clean-cut mode. My single experience among users saw red-eyed, stupid faced, inarticulate bores -- and that can include "famous names." Last week, I was at my computer in my back bedroom when the putrid odor of marijuana wafted in from a half block away. I went out and told the young couple our neighborhood didn't tolerate marijuana smoking in public. He started to argue with me but I just said, "I'm going to call the police" and walked away. At least we have that protection and a responsible parent can say "it's illegal" truthfully. Users already get little more than a token punishment; let them use in their own house, not my park or neighborhood. Let them look in the mirror and see how their "need" brutalizes innocent people in Central America. Joan Temple Seattle - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.