Richard T. Delmasto
Berkshire Eagle

Perhaps our local masters of the universe —District Attorney David Capeless, Sheriff Carmen Massimiano Jr. and their attendant throng of police officials — should look to our neighbor to the north, rather than speculate about all their Chicken Little theories if Question 2 passes.

Maine has a marijuana law already in effect that mirrors our Question 2. Basically, it's somewhat light on sanctions when it has to be (personal possession of small amounts) and harsh when it needs to be (large dealers and sales to minors.) But it appears to eliminate all the expense and to-do that police generate in their never-ending quest to sanction any use whatsoever of a substance used by millions of people in this country.

That way they can all deal with reality rather than rely upon the suppositions that comprise much of their argument. They distort the impact of marijuana on society, and the district attorneys' draconian policies against mere possession or sale of minute amounts of marijuana have accomplished little besides destroying the lives of people who are otherwise law-abiding citizens.

I advise our stalwart keepers of justice to simply drop a dime and talk to their counterparts in Maine, and maybe they will learn a few things about what happens in reality — both good and bad — when a law like this is put in effect.

RICHARD T. DELMASTO
Pittsfield