Pubdate: Mon, 14 Oct 2002
Source: Washington Times (DC)
Copyright: 2002 News World Communications, Inc
Contact:  http://www.washingtontimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/492
Author: Al Swanson, United Press International
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/findUKP162 (Nevadans for Responsible Law 
Enforcement)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/findUKP163 (Question 9 (NV))
Note: Non-drug policy content omitted
Note: Dave Haskell in Boston and Hil Anderson in California contributed to 
this report

LAS VEGAS NEWSPAPER SUPPORTS POT LAW REFORM

National drug czar John Walters' vocal opposition to a Nevada referendum 
that would legalize possession of modest amounts of marijuana attracted 
criticism from the Las Vegas Review Journal Monday.

The newspaper's editorial writers chided Walters for making two personal 
appearances in the state to urge opposition to Question 9, a ballot measure 
that would allow adults in the Silver State to possess up to three ounces 
of marijuana.

"Nevadans are capable of acting like grown-ups and deciding whether we wish 
to maintain the current, Draconian set of penalties against the possession 
and use of small amounts of marijuana," the newspaper said. "We need no 
help from our 'betters' in Washington, D.C."

The Review Journal was critical of what it said was an extensive commitment 
of "a considerable amount of energy and money to defeating Question 9."

The editorial also took exception to what it saw as scare tactics when 
Walters called Question 9 a public safety issue even though the proposal 
restricted marijuana possession to private homes preserved current 
penalties for driving under the influence.
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MAP posted-by: Beth