Pubdate: Wed, 11 Oct 2000
Source: Anchorage Daily News (AK)
Copyright: 2000 The Anchorage Daily News
Contact:  http://www.adn.com/
Author: Will Cochran

DRUG WAR IS FUTILE EFFORT

My viewpoint on marijuana is that it should be legalized. Through my study of history, I have come to believe the war on drugs is of no use. Billions of our tax dollars are spent every year on "the war against drugs" to what I see as no avail. My feelings are that it should be decriminalized. If you look at our institutions, how many of those people locked up would be out if marijuana was legal? Take a look at our youth. Teenage years are the time of rebellion. Many teens use marijuana, and a nice number of them use because of the simple fact that it is not permitted. I'm not saying that all use should be granted, because limitations are needed. But I am saying that nowhere in our Constitution will you find anything about drug wars.

Legalizing marijuana can stop illegal activities that surround it, and stop the locking up of those who choose to use marijuana and not act out criminally. There has never been a report of a person using marijuana, getting into a car, and killing somebody else on the road, yet alcohol is still legal. I feel we should take the money spent every year for fighting the drug war and use it for more constructive matters, such as education, roads, Social Security benefits, and the Permanent Fund. These are the things we as a community should be focused on.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe