OPINION LTE

INITIATIVE 685

End the war on drugs

In 1972, when President Nixon made a declaration of war, our modern war on
drugs began in earnest. Since that time every president has rattled his
sabers ever louder. And what has been the result?

Other politicians have taken up the cause and have been pounding their
chests with more and more ferocity. Each has tried to out tough the other.
Has it helped?

Politicians have irresponsibly foisted the enforcement of their drug
policies on some of our finest the police. Is using law enforcement an
effective way to deal with what is really a social and health issue?

I have heard opponents say that doctors should stay out of politics. Do you
think politicians are the best people to be in charge of our health care?

Washington State Initiative 685 "The Drug Medicalization and Prevention Act
of 1997" will force our politicians to quit pounding their chests. It will
force them to allow reasonable alternatives to their failed war on drugs.

This is actually a national issue, but it must be faced and confronted
state by state. It is time for responsible citizens to continue wresting
control away from the politicians.

Change has already begun with the passage of similar proposals in Arizona
and California. The government has finally admitted that there may very
well be medical uses for marijuana. Scientific research on the medical
efficacy of marijuana is finally being approved where it had previously
been denied. But it took the efforts of citizens to knock some sense into
our government. There can be no harm in testing currently prohibited drugs.

Do you care about the facts? Do you care about the safety of your children?
Do you care about those in pain? Do you care about those in the grip of
addiction? Do you prefer to take health and medical advice from your doctor
rather than from a politician? If you do, then vote YES on I685.

MICHAEL. F. MARION
Marysville