Pubdate: Mon, 25 Oct 1999 Date: 10/25/1999 Source: Christian Science Monitor (US) Author: Stephen Young Thank you for focusing on the plight of Renee Boje ("Canada and US in Drug Debate," Oct. 19). Her story illustrates the US government's obsession with destroying anyone barely connected with challenges to marijuana policy. Renee Boje hurt no one. She presents no threat to any individual. Yet, she faces 10 years to life in prison along with extradition proceedings. Who benefits from such vindictiveness? Certainly not the US public, who will see hundreds of thousands of their tax dollars wasted if Renee is extradited, tried, and incarcerated. In return, the public gets nothing in the way of increased safety or security. This latest display of the US government's manic compulsion to crush anything that stands as a challenge to its cruel policies regarding marijuana should be a wake up call to all Americans. Renee Boje stood at the periphery of a situation that seemed to be supported by the people of California. The federal government's reaction shows its goal is not to protect the people, but to scare them into submission. Stephen Young, Roselle, Ill.