Pubdate: Sun, 02 Dec 2012
Source: Dallas Morning News (TX)
Copyright: 2012 The Dallas Morning News, Inc.
Contact: http://www.dallasnews.com/cgi-bin/lettertoed.cgi
Website: http://www.dallasnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/117
Author: Bob Dewberry

TIME FOR ALTERNATIVES

Finally, politicians with fortitude have opened a discourse on the 
subject of marijuana. With nothing to lose, two old lame ducks - odd 
couple Barney Frank and Ron Paul - broached the subject of federally 
legalized pot after evidence that the drug war has proven to be 
unwinnable after 40-plus years of trying. Like alcohol and tobacco, 
pot is evidently here to stay.

But, is it enough simply to legalize? Why not grow marijuana under 
strict license to take out a large chunk of drug cartels' profits? 
The cost of implementing the drug war may be partially saved along 
with a true "cash crop" of pot for farmers to sell and the feds, 
states and cities to tax - and even to export.

This idea, whose time has come, is not without complexities and 
concerns, but obviously alternatives to prohibition need serious consideration.

Bob Dewberry, North Dallas
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