Bravo sir: I agree wholeheartedly with your opinions. Now I will share mine with you. I stand on a more radical platform in that direction for some of the same reasons and more radical probably because I am young (25 Yrs).

I am for the Decriminalization/Legalization of marijuana and Psilocybin Psilocybin, in case you are unaware is the chemical contained in naturally occuring hallucenogenic mushrooms. On that note briefly, Psilocybin is almost chemically identical to endorphins occuring in the brain. And instead of the normal endorphin "plugging in" to the sensory receptors psilocybin plugs in instead and provide a slight distortion, however, it provides for many DEEP DEEP thought and Greater and broader insight into many issues. Users have claimed Psychic, Religious, and Prophetic, experiences while under the influence.

Now, Back to the issue at hand. I do not believe that all persons should uses these "drugs." Because they must be used responsibly. Which is one thing I pride myself on. The responsible use of marijuana and psilocybin. Yes I have tried many substances including LSD (4 or 5 times) and cocaine (twice) but I will not do those because they do make you lose control. At no time under the influence of marijuana and psilocybin does the user lose control. At no time in history has anyone died directly from the use of marijuana. 1 has died from psilocybe mushrooms and that was a child who mistook them for mundane mushrooms and ate many times the normal amount. Enough about psilocybes,,,,

In the Netherlands where they are already in the decriminalized phase use of more serious drugs is down, crime is down, and marijuana use has only risen slightly and is leveling off. As for the money did you know? One person is arrested on Marijuana charges in the US every 54 minutes. $800,000 is spent by the US government on Marijuana intridiction and erradication programs every 60 minutes. Is $800,000 dollars worth 1 person being arrested? This doesn't include the cost of propaganda, rhetoric, and misinformation.

Although it is radical please visit my web site I have a list of facts about marijuana and hemp these are verifyable and correct facts not propaganda and rhetoric The war on marijuana is fueled by the ignorance of the American People and by the building blocks laid in place by our government who was afraid of a whole generation a generation of "pot heads" who maybe saw the inner light and weren't afraid to voice their opposition to WAR. Although I am a veteran (USN- Uss Kitty Hawk CV-63) and it was before my time on this earth I know that those in power are afraid of nothing more than losing that power.

It is my mission to inform people of the true facts and let them make up their own minds. Even Jesus was given Frankincense which was made out of hemp leaves. Yes it is true do the research! Our government is corrupt but, supposedly it is the best but anymore I don't know as there are other countries which guarentee more freedom than ours and which are far more responsive to the wants and needs of their people.

One day when my generation gets the wand handed down it may be too late. But the previous one will be very sorry for not listening. I applaud you for being so brave as to say what you know is true. I only wish many more were not afraid to come out with their true feelings. May you prosper always.