Pubdate: Sat, 02 Nov 2002 Source: Arizona Republic (AZ) Copyright: 2002 The Arizona Republic Contact: http://www.arizonarepublic.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/24 Author: Harold L. Hurtt Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/props.htm (Ballot Initiatives) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) 203 SAYS 'YES' TO DRUGS This is "Red Ribbon Week," which is sponsored by the National Family Partnership and designed to help our children "Say No to Drugs." This year's theme is "Freedom is Drug-Free - Plant the Promise." Isn't it ironic that as our children are being encouraged to stand up and say "no" to the influence of drugs, others in our community are encouraging the decriminalization of marijuana, and the lessening of the punishments connected to dangerous, hard-core drugs such as crack cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and PCP. We in law enforcement oppose Proposition 203 because it is being falsely marketed as a "medical marijuana" proposition helping the terminally ill. In reality, it decriminalizes marijuana for everyone, even our children; it reduces sanctions on those who use dangerous drugs; and takes away minimum mandatory sentences for almost all dangerous drug convictions. Proposition 203 requires that taxpayers' money be spent on having police officers distribute free marijuana, without a prescription. The Arizona Department of Public Safety will be required to fund the testing, packaging and distribution. The decriminalizing of marijuana and reducing the sanctions of those who use dangerous drugs will have a negative impact on our communities. Please look past the emotional commercials that portray this as a medical-marijuana proposition and determine for yourself what is best for Arizona. Harold L. Hurtt, Phoenix The writer is chief of police of Phoenix and a member of the Arizona Chiefs of Police Association. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl