Pubdate: Thu, 17 Apr 2014
Source: Lahaina News (HI)
Copyright: 2014 Lahaina News
Contact:  http://www.lahainanews.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4521

LETTER WRITER SHOULD CHECK FACTS

Regarding the letter "Don't legalize pot" in the April 3 issue, I'd
like to recommend some fact checking on the part of the author, please.

First, he/she asks the question, "Is stoned driving somehow okay
compared to drunk driving?" First point: no one is advocating for
legalization of "stoned driving;" just the freedom we demand as
citizens of a democracy to make our own choices as adults.

Second, he/she claims "it (marijuana use) has been largely overlooked
(legally?) here for years." Second point: according to the most recent
data I could access, there were 1,524 marijuana arrests for the year
(2007) in the State of Hawaii. That's more than four people a day, 85
percent of which were for simply possessing it. Even for a first-time
offender, the punishment was 30 days in jail PLUS a $1,000 fine.

"Largely overlooked?" I don't think you'd agree if that was your loved
one behind bars just for getting high. And by the way, could you
afford to take a whole month off of work without any pay? It's not
like your landlord would give you a break come time for rent... talk
about adding to the problems of being "homeless."

Third, he/she asks "is cancer from smoking pot less deadly than it
is

from smoking cigarettes?" Obviously, no. However, right now you have
choices with cigarettes, which are all legal, if you are concerned
with the known health risks associated with use. You can smoke it and
take your chances, vaporize it (e-cigs) and eat it (nicotine
gum/mints). The same choices are available for marijuana.

Finally, he/she claims "it (legalization) will be a message to our
keiki that it's okay - even cool." My question: what message does the
hypocrisy of having known killers like alcohol, tobacco and firearms
be legal in the state, while simple marijuana use is a criminal offense?

The "message" our keiki receive will be the one WE give them. We show
them that the stove is hot and will burn your hand if you touch it...
we don't BAN stoves. Enough said.

NAME WITHHELD BY REQUEST
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MAP posted-by: Matt