Letter: Why all the discord in today's society?

One recent letter from a Clinton hater blames him for the trouble in the Balkans and says "Clinton loves to drop bombs everywhere." Can't he understand that Clinton didn't start the trouble and the action being taken is a joint effort by 19 nations comprising NATO?

He further states it "turns his stomach, and that it is a disgrace to the country, to see the president saluted" by the military. Most people know that the military salute is to the rank, from the lowest lieutenant to the president, not to honor the person but to show respect to the office.

I hope our military will always show their respect for the highest office in the world, whomever the occupant. The alternative would be anarchy.

Another article in the same issue objected to "medical marijuana." The writer says that "drugs destroy lives, not save them." I would remind her that many drugs, too, save lives and relieve pain. The fact that marijuana is illegal doesn't mean it may not relieve pain. Many things can destroy lives if improperly used or used to excess.

Morphine is an illegal drug if sold on the street but has sure relieved a lot of pain for soldiers during wars, and it can kill. Should its use be discontinued?

You can smoke addictive cigarettes for pleasure because they are legal. They kill. So if marijuana can relieve your pain I have no objection. And if you have no need for such relief and your neighbor does, why should you object?

TED MADDOX

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