Pubdate: Mon, 03 Aug 2009
Source: Spokesman-Review (Spokane, WA)
Copyright: 2009 The Spokesman-Review
Contact:  http://www.spokesmanreview.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/417
Author: Will Olson

LEGALIZE POT OF GOLD

Considering the budget crisis, folks in Washington are facing some
difficult choices. Either we reduce services or increase taxes.
Economists feel that raising taxes during a recession is a bad idea. I
agree.

But I have a solution that would decrease state law enforcement costs
and increase state revenue at the same time.

It's time to get real and legalize the growing, selling and using of
cannabis. Think of the millions wasted - in futility-trying to stop
this! Folks, we tried Prohibition in the 1920s and all it did was
criminalize a legitimate industry and create gangsters. How is this
any different today?

It should be regulated just like hard spirits in our state with the
same strict DUI and open container laws. If our state simply regulated
the use and distribution of cannabis, we could easily generate
millions of needed revenue, plus legalizing marijuana would deprive
the criminals of black market revenue.

I would rather our police and judicial system attack real problems
like meth/crack rather than busting some old hippies smoking a doob.
What does it hurt? The only thing that is in any 'danger' is those
bags of Doritos and chips at the grocery store!

Will Olson

Spokane
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake