Pubdate: Thu, 31 Dec 2009
Source: Times-Standard (Eureka, CA)
Copyright: 2009 Times-Standard
Contact: http://www.times-standard.com/writeus
Website: http://www.times-standard.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1051
Author: Elaine Crandall

LEAVE IT UP TO THE INDIVIDUAL

It would seem at first a good idea that the state and local law
enforcement could benefit from revenues of asset forfeitures.

Perhaps it was initiated in response to the perceived threat of large
drug cartels moving in. But now it really is perceived as predatory
behavior by law enforcement and the justice system. Alcohol
prohibition was initiated by the effort to protect women and children
from becoming destitute, as their fate was directly tied to the
husband, who -- if he drank himself ill -- the wife had no recourse,
and no laws to protect her. (Women' s rights came later. Prohibition
was repealed but not before becoming a great boon to the criminal element.)

There is a movement to decriminalize marijuana. As with all
mind-altering chemicals, it will be used with respect by some and
abused by some. Let's leave those decisions up to the individual.

Elaine Crandall

Fieldbrook
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake