Blas’ Blunt Message: Make Fewer Pot Arrests
THE ISSUE: Mayor de Blasio’s announcement that the NYPD will be adjusting its policy on marijuana arrests.
The city will change the penalties for marijuana possession because minorities get arrested at higher rates than whites. This is for “fairness” (“NYC to cut pot busts over racial gap: DeB,” May 16).
We have already changed the law regarding public urination for the same reason.
If people won’t change their behavior, we change the laws to accommodate them. When will we be changing the penalties for rape, robbery and homicide? Robert DeCandia New Hyde Park
Mayor de Blasio does realize the problem he has, doesn’t he? Here is a crazy idea for marijuana users: Stop buying and smoking weed in front of everyone. Jake McNicholas Whitestone
Our mayor has announced that the NYPD will overhaul procedures concerning marijuana arrests.
Meanwhile, Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance said he will not prosecute anyone arrested on low-level marijuana charges.
Our fine mayor wishes to give lawbreakers the ability to rule the streets. I, along with many others, do not want to be subjected to smelling marijuana smoke in public areas. I’m sure parents of young children don’t want them around it, either. Joseph Comperchio Brooklyn
The odious specter of disparate impact rears its ugly head again as de Blasio voices disapproval of the high percentage of blacks and Hispanics who are arrested for lowlevel marijuana possession. Seriously?
Perhaps the mayor will initiate a program to inspire more white and Asian people to begin smoking pot.
Instead of attempting to raise the bottom, the mayor insists on lowering the top, down to the very basement. Samuel Frazer Fort Myers, Fla.
The government should not be allowed to take away any of our liberties, minus a compelling state interest, such as saying you can’t drive a car while high on pot, as that concerns public safety.
But what argument can the government make that grown adults shouldn’t be allowed to smoke weed in their own homes after a hard day’s work? None. A. Nace-Enzminger Brooklyn
I’ll make this simple for the pro-legalization crowd: Putting any smoke in your lungs is bad for you.
Whatever tax money is collected from the sale of marijuana will be more than offset by the problems created by people poisoning themselves. Rich Salvo Westport, Conn.