Pubdate: Fri, 06 Oct 2006 Source: Rocky Mountain News (Denver, CO) Copyright: 2006, Denver Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/371 Author: Marcel Peelen AMENDMENT WON'T MAKE MARIJUANA LEGAL I often read, hear and see on TV the words "Amendment 44 would legalize marijuana in Colorado." This is simply not true and again uses fear and misinformation to "stir up" the public. To quote one of the sentences in the overview of the amendment proposal, "Judges have discretion when assessing fines, and the maximum fine is not levied against all offenders." Under current law, police in Denver can charge offenders under state law instead of city law. In this context, marijuana is not legal. If it were completely legal, one would be able to smoke it anywhere or have a bag of pot sitting on a restaurant table without fear of retribution. Marijuana won't be "legal" simply because one can still be fined, thus it is still a misdemeanor and a crime. And this assertion from an article in the News: "Amendment 44 . . . a statewide ballot measure seeking to legalize marijuana use for adults . . . " is completely incorrect. Will someone please inform the public with the truth instead of fearmongering? Marcel Peelen Denver - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine