LEGALIZATION A START TO SOLUTION

Thank you for continuing to support the sensible legalization of
marijuana ["Legalize marijuana," Opinion, June 23]. Your editorial and
support for the new voter initiative by prominent figures, such as
City Attorney Pete Holmes and former U.S. Attorney John McKay, signal
that more people are beginning to realize the gravity of this failed
"war on drugs."

As a former deputy sheriff, I wholeheartedly agree that passing this
reasonable initiative is what it will take to pressure members of
Congress to eventually end the federal prohibition policy that not
only paralyzes our jail system, but also places our law enforcers in
danger.

With my experience enforcing the drug laws in Washington, I can tell
you that legalizing, regulating and taxing marijuana will be a
much-needed start to dealing with the violence and corruption caused
by prohibition.

MacKenzie Allen

Tacoma