Pubdate: Tue, 05 Oct 2004
Source: Juneau Empire (AK)
Copyright: 2004 Southeastern Newspaper Corp
Contact:  http://www.juneauempire.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/549
Author: Kat DeBurgh
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/props.htm (Ballot Initiatives)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/marijuana+initiative
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)


TIME TO SUPPORT MARIJUANA INITIATIVE

Kudos on a great column ("They're in possession of troubling intelligence," 
Brandon Loomis, Empire, Oct. 1). The federal government is indeed trading 
in our God-given freedoms to obtain more "security."

As Benjamin Franklin pointed out, the society that does this loses both 
freedom and security - and deserves neither one. The federal government's 
senseless war on marijuana is just another example. If a responsible adult 
chooses to use marijuana in a private home, the government should not 
interfere. Arresting adults for marijuana use doesn't make our country 
safer - after all, marijuana is, in many ways, safer than beer.

Here in Alaska, we have an opportunity to change an unjust law and regain a 
basic freedom. Please join me in supporting Initiative 2, which will remove 
criminal penalties for all people over the age of 21 who choose to use 
marijuana in their own homes.

Kat DeBurgh

Anchorage
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D