Timothy Leary
The statement that Timothy Leary was “advocating the use of mind-altering drugs” (“Leary Severs Ties to Cryonics Advocates,” May 9) is very misleading because the use of psychedelic drugs was only one component of what Leary was advocating.
He did not recommend that anyone use psychedelics without first developing the ability to handle the experience through study and philosophical reflection, and he strongly cautioned that the first 10 or 15 trips should only be taken under the supervision of an experienced guide in safe and uplifting surroundings.
This was clearly explained in his writings and talks, but the media chose to ignore the details of what he said, preferring instead to raise hell by harping on the slogan, “Turn on, tune in, drop out.”
Thus it was the media and the government--not Leary--that were and are responsible for people hurting themselves with LSD and other psychedelics. Leary said that getting a license to use LSD should be as difficult as getting a license to fly a plane.
JON SCHULTZ
Los Angeles
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