David Brooks argues that marijuana should not be legalized [“Marijuana: been there, done that,” Opinion, Dec. 5).

Brooks is a wise and eloquent writer and his argument is strong. But every point he makes could apply equally well against the legalization of alcohol, which is more addictive and dangerous than marijuana.

Alcohol was not legalized because it was harmless. It was legalized partly because most people can drink safely, just as most people can enjoy marijuana safely. More to the point, alcohol was legalized because the crime wave instigated by its illegality was causing more harm than the drug itself. Exactly the same thing is true of marijuana.

Robert & Susan Stanton, Seattle