Pubdate: Thu, 03 Apr 2014
Source: Sacramento News & Review (CA)
Copyright: 2014 Robert Sharpe
Contact:  http://newsreview.com/sacto/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/540
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n283/a06.html

FEINSTEIN ON CARTEL PAYROLL?

Re "Hello, legalization" by Ngaio Bealum (SN&R The 420, March
27):

Like all good drug warriors, Sen. Dianne Feinstein has a habit of
using the drug war's collateral damage to justify throwing good money
after bad public policy. Statistically, the vast majority of marijuana
consumers do not move on to harder drugs. Those who do can thank Sen.
Feinstein and her fellow drug warriors. Federal marijuana prohibition
keeps violent drug cartels in business. When cartels control marijuana
distribution, consumers are exposed to illegal cocaine, meth and heroin.

Marijuana prohibition is a gateway drug policy. Colorado has closed
the gateway, and Washington state will soon follow. Marijuana
legalization will raise new tax revenue, provide consumers with a
comparatively safe alternative to alcohol, and close the gateway to
hard drugs by taking marijuana distribution out of the hands of
criminals. Perhaps Sen. Feinstein is on the payroll of Mexican drug
cartels. It would certainly explain her efforts to protect their
market share.

Robert Sharpe

policy analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D