Pubdate: Tue, 09 Sep 2014
Source: Guardian, The (CN PI)
Copyright: 2014 The Guardian, Charlottetown Guardian Group Incorporated
Contact:  http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/174
Author: Lloyd Kerry
Page: A6

MARIJUANA AS WELL TO FINALLY LEVEL OFF

Editor:

The debate rages, once again, on the pros and cons of legalizing
marijuana. There are good arguments from both sides. But waving the
promise of millions of tax dollars in front of cash-strapped
governments (as a commentary in your paper today does) seems like the
top of a long and slippery slope.

What's next? Legalized brothels such as the state of Nevada? If
marijuana becomes a staple of income under government control, it will
only be a matter of time before that income levels off. Similar to
VLTs, now they allow them to be operated on Sundays as well because
the cash flow peaked. When I bartended years ago, they kept shutting
down our one VLT. Then some wizard in government said 'what are we
doing? Let's legalize it and tax it.'

And so it begins. Like I said the 'pot debate' has good discussion
going, but let's not tease a hungry tax collector with glorious tales
of unending money. That money will come at the cost of important
things, such as groceries, rent and clothing. Just ask the family of a
VLT addict.

Lloyd Kerry, Charlottetown
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MAP posted-by: Matt