Pubdate: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 Source: Chicago Tribune (IL) Copyright: 2014 Chicago Tribune Company Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/IuiAC7IZ Website: http://www.chicagotribune.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/82 Author: John Culloton MARIJUANA REVENUE I am opposed to the legalization of marijuana. I am from the old school of thought that categorizes marijuana users as "dope fiends." That said, I am sure that our state politicians will look at the tax money generated by the state of Colorado and follow suit. The problem with that is it would be a new source of revenue for the state to squander with little regard to resolving any of the state's fiscal problems. I am sure our politicians would claim the tax money would be for the children or the elderly; that is sure way to influence voters. Past examples include the lottery, which would forever enhance our educational systems, and the toll roads, which would have reverted to freeways, and countless other innovative taxing mechanisms such as the temporary tax increase. I may be a bit too cynical, but that comes from being around a long time and an observer of government spending habits. - - John Culloton, Chicago - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom