From: [c--o--n] at [dsmnet.com] (Carl E. Olsen) Newsgroups: alt.hemp,alt.drugs,alt.drugs.pot,rec.drugs.cannabis,talk.politics.drugs,alt.hemp.politics Subject: Letter from Sen. Harkin Date: Mon, 4 Sep 1995 19:42:23 X-POP3-Rcpt: [o--s--n] at [mojo] TOM HARKIN Iowa (202) 224-4633 UNITED STATES SENATE WASHINGTON, DC 20510-1502 July 28, 1995 Jamie Grimm 737 18th Street, #10 Des Moines, IA 50314 Dear Jamie: Thank you for your most recent letter regarding the legalization of marajuana. I appreciate your continued interest in this issue. While you raised many important points in your letter, I am afraid that I still disagree with you on this issue. Let me share with you a few additional reasons why I hold this position. In a study completed by the Drug Abuse Warning Network, the number of marijuana related emergencies has nearly reached the level of cocaine related emergencies. As this statistic indicates, marijuana use often has fatal consequences. I was deeply troubled when I learned of another recent study which found that nearly one-third of all eighth graders had tried marijuana. As the father of two teenage daughters, it greatly disturbs me that children are exposed to drugs at such a young age. I am concerned that legalization of this drug will only increase the number of children who gain access to its harmful effects. I am sorry that we disagree on this point. Hopefully, there are other issues that we can agree on. Please feel free to contact me again about any issue of importance to you. Sincerely, Tom Harkin United States Senator TH/kjz 210 WALNUT ST. 733 FEDERAL BLDG. DES MOINES, IA 50309 (515) 284-4574 ******************************************************************** * Carl Olsen * [c--o--n] at [dsmnet.com] * * Post Office Box 4091 * http://www.calyx.com/~olsen/ * * Des Moines, Iowa 50333 * [Carl E Olsen] at [commonlink.com] * * (515) 262-6957 voice & fax * [73043 414] at [compuserve.com] * ********************************************************************