Pubdate: Tue, 05 Feb 2013
Source: Columbian, The (WA)
Copyright: 2013 Rick Atkins
Contact:  http://www.columbian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/92
Author: Rick Atkins
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n052/a01.html

POT LEGALIZATION IS PROBLEMATIC

The Jan. 28 editorial, "Pot pressure intensifies," justified
supporting I-502 because "marijuana prohibition has been a miserable
failure in multiple ways." That twisted line of reasoning could be
used to justify legalizing any number of crimes, from murder to using
cellphones when driving.

The Columbian touted the "wisdom" of voters in passing I-502 by 55.7
percent. However, if you look at the voting records, it becomes
apparent the law passed due to the large population of the Puget Sound
area out-voting the rest of the state.

There has been a growing notion by some that by legalizing activities
that are detrimental to individuals and society, it will somehow
prevent the bad consequences of that behavior or activity from
occurring. The reality is, bad life choices result in bad
consequences, whether it is legal or not.

As noted in the editorial, enforcement of marijuana laws in the state
proved to be a "miserable failure." So, now the state Liquor Control
Board will do it?

But wait, the state will generate revenue from marijuana. The state,
in essence, will become the equivalent of a drug kingpin, skimming
their cut off the top, and approving drug dealers, i.e. "vendorsk" as
they now spin it. How sad for citizens of Washington.

Rick Atkins

Battle Ground
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