Initiative 685

Staggering hypocrisy

I do try to be as professional as possible when sending a letter to the
editor. In so doing I attempt to make my wording proper and concise. But
Initiative 685 is so stupid that it defies tact. I have worked with people
addicted to chemicals for over half my life. I find it difficult to believe
that there is a bill suggested which would actually legalize any Schedule I
drug. This includes marijuana, heroin, LSD, other forms of hallucinogens,
and a nice assortment of other drugs.

It is my opinion that anyone who is trying to say that marijuana is not
addictive is merely trying to protect his/her own use. I have had clients
who would definitely testify toward the addictiveness of this drug.

In addition to the unsupportable claims that these drugs are "harmless,"
the overall hypocrisy of this initiative and the liberal thinking which
gives birth to initiatives like it is staggering. Illicit drug use and its
trafficking have caused more damage to lives, sent more children to the
hospital or morgue, and have cost more taxpayer money to repair than any
firearm, asbestos-insulated building or sports-utility vehicle. Yet, these
things are condemned by these same people.

The very fact that this is even an initiative makes me seriously wonder
what has happened to our society. Please, for the sake of yesterday's,
today's and tomorrow's children, let's stop this initiative in its tracks!

Dr. Robert Baise,
CCDS III, CMHC, CCP
Burlington