Your editorial of Friday, Dec. 8 regarding legalizing marijuana for recreational use in New York is completely irresponsible.
You mention that New York State has fallen from legislative leadership as well as noting its lack of common sense. Well, here’s my straight, to the point, view of common sense.
It is free of innuendo and implications that may serve to dazzle, confuse and influence the reader.
Your editorial says that alcohol, tobacco and opioids killed 64,000 people in 2016.
The abusive use of these products has exacted a high toll on society including taxes diverted to: clinically resolving the problem, taking care of victims, increasing law enforcement staff, etc. etc.
Such use of tax dollars not only has placed an economic burden on us but also prevented addressing societal as well as infrastructure issues.
Now you want to legalize marijuana. Well, we know what driving drunk has done to our society. It has caused a tremendous loss of life and brought unbearable pain to families. Legalizing recreational use of marijuana will result in more auto accidents killing more innocent bystanders due to mellow heads driving under the influence and increased diversion of funds to address the problem.
We should at least wait to see the marijuana related accident statistics from the states that recently legalized recreational use. Will they be spending more dollars in the future to handle problems brought on by legalization or will common sense prevail?
Nick Pennacchio
Williston Park
