Politics and pot
Re “Richardson content to start slow in ’08 race,” April 10
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson may want voters to believe that it was politically “risky” -- and thus courageous -- for him to support and sign medical marijuana legislation in New Mexico, but the polls show otherwise. The latest national Gallup Poll on the issue found 78% of voters in support of medical marijuana. So Richardson gets to have his cake and eat it too by taking a politically popular stand while getting credit for being brave.
The real lesson is that politicians have finally started to catch up with public opinion. Journalists and pundits should take note.
BRUCE MIRKEN
Washington
The writer is communications director of the Marijuana Policy Project.
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