Contrary to letter writer Robert Sharpe's view, the war on drugs is more than war on people who smoke marijuana ("American's misguided war against marijuana," Jan. 1). It is a civil war on the fundamental rights to property, liberty and privacy that are secured by the 4th, 5th and 14th amendments to the Constitution.

Responsible users of marijuana pose no threat to public safety, unlike those who abuse alcohol. The biggest threat to public safety comes from organized crime, gangs and the continued criminalization of marijuana.

Michael Dee, Windham, Maine