Legalized marijuana, helping homeless, policing roadways

The downside of legalizing marijuana

A reader asked politicians to allow marijuana dispensaries in our neighborhoods and near our schools [“Pot stores near schools are OK,” Musings, March 10]. As a law-abiding taxpayer, I find that legalizing marijuana is not only deplorable but incomprehensible.

Most everyone knows marijuana is a mind-altering drug that can affect judgment and response, possibly putting others at risk. The smell also stinks and pollutes the air for the rest of us and our children.

To suggest it should be available near our homes and schools is ludicrous. Unfortunately, until someone high on marijuana harms or kills a large enough group of innocent people, marijuana remains legal.

— Bill Calvo, Lynbrook

Bishops should help homeless over here

Catholic bishops are concerned about helping people from other countries settle in the United States “Catholic bishops end refugee work with gov’t,” News, April 15].

Yet there are homeless families and homeless veterans who gave so much to our country who receive little help. I believe in the saying that “charity begins at home.” So, let’s help Americans first.

— Marie Uschok, Massapequa Park

Put more police on our roadways

Let’s get police enforcement more involved on our roadways [“Driving on our dangerous roads,” Letters, April 9]. The constant excessive speeding and tailgating, especially on highways and parkways, is unbelievable. Running red lights seems to be the norm, and yet I hardly ever see a police officer lying in wait to nab those with total disregard or disrespect for the laws of the road.

How about seeing routine traffic inspections at entrance and exit ramps on a rotating basis? The main reason for insane driving, to me, is lack of enforcement that in over 40 years of driving I have never seen so lax.

— Don Rector, Islip