Pubdate: Sun, 12 Aug 2001
Source: Olympian, The (WA)
Copyright: 2001 The Olympian
Contact: http://www.theolympian.com/forms/lettrfrm.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/319
Author: Callie Tanner
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

POT BUST SHOULDN'T TRIGGER LOSS OF LICENSE TO DRIVE 

The prosecution of marijuana-related charges has reached ridiculous efforts
in hopes of stopping usage. In this state, marijuana-related conviction
automatically results in the suspension of your driver's license for 90
days. I personally do not see the connection between marijuana and driving. 

I was caught with a small amount of marijuana and a pipe. As of now the
state is trying to revoke my license for a year and 30 days. There is no
form of public transportation where I live, and when I lose my license I
will lose my job and will be unable to attend South Puget Sound Community
College through the Running Start program. This would ruin my goal of
earning my AA degree and graduating from high school simultaneously. 

When I got arrested, my first concern was that I was going to lose my
license which would have dramatic consequences. I am in the top 10 percent
of my class, I am employed and I have never been in trouble before. It seems
that the punishment does not fit the crime. Losing your drivers license due
to a marijuana-related conviction is an illogical, counter-active drug
control method. Due to my arrest I have lost faith in not only the justice
system, but in America. 

Callie Tanner, Olympia
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MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk