Pubdate: Wed, 18 Mar 2009
Source: Bend Weekly (OR)
Copyright: 2009 Bend Weekly News
Contact:  http://www.bendweekly.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4514
Author: Allan Erickson
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n311/a10.html

LEGALIZING MARIJUANA IS SANE, HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVE TO DRUG WAR MADNESS

The column by Debra Saunders, The Drug War Body Count, (Mon, March 
16, 2009) is a necessary read. The time has come to end this drug war 
madness. We now have cartels operating with impunity in every major 
city in the U.S.

When legalization is the subject it is not just the pot smokers. 
Three former Latin American presidents are not lightweight figures by 
any means. Even the Obama administration is now taking steps, making 
needle exchanges a priority shift over previous administrations 
punish-at-all-costs priorities.

Yet here in Oregon drug war madness still has a lot of momentum. Dan 
Harmon and his group Associated Oregon Industries are trying to 
eliminate the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program. Grants Pass Rep Ron 
Maurer wants to have the state grow cannabis, taking that right away 
from patients. In reality complete legalization will eliminate not 
just the hassle imposed on patients and citizen tokers but will drive 
the cartels from the pot industry in Oregon.

Legalization is the sane, healthier alternative to the societally 
crippling disease of drug war madness.

Allan Erickson, Drug Policy Forum of Oregon
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom