Pubdate: Sat, 30 Oct 2004
Source: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner (AK)
Copyright: 2004 Fairbanks Publishing Company, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.news-miner.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/764
Author: Curt Liebling
Cited: Proposition 2 ( www.yeson2alaska.com/ )
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/states/ak/ (Alaska)

NO ON MEASURE 2

To the editor:

Have the supporters of Measure 2 considered the economic effects
should this initiative pass?

Clandestine growing and distribution of marijuana is an important
industry in Alaska. It produces a very high rate of return on each
dollar invested. It provides a great entry level business for the
small investor. Legalization and taxation will totally ruin this industry.

Marijuna is just too easy to grow to maintain the current high profit
margin should it become just another commodity. Have you thought about
the negative upmarket effects on their follow-on products? Without the
current number of entry level buyers dealers will not have the
opportunity to pitch stronger products which will also affect revenue.
Profits will fall even further! What effect will this have on the sale
of luxury goods in the state? What about attorney's fees? Won't they
have fewer clients?

The ripple effects could be tremendous! What will become of the
employees of these small businesses? Will they start competing with
the rest of us for legitimate jobs? No way! I don't want these people
working with me!

Don't forget the Feds. They don't like this initiative. We have to do
everything they say, right? They own most of the state already, don't
they? Perhaps if we vote yes they will buy up the rest of it and make
us all leave. Besides, we have to think of Uncle Ted. He's already
under a lot of pressure to have Lisa reappointed to the House of
Lords, er I mean the Senate. He says he could lose his chairmanship if
we don't so we better do as he says. Give the poor guy a break!

Vote no on Nov. 2 on Proposition 2 and don't forget to take care of
Lisa. One of her kids will be needing a job someday.

Curt Liebling

North Pole
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake