Pubdate: Tue, 17 Apr 2001
Source: Yuma Daily Sun, The (AZ)
Copyright: 2001 The Yuma Daily Sun
Contact:  http://www.yumasun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1258
Author: Fred J. Padden

LOSING BATTLE

Editor, The Sun:

Years ago, we tried to stop people from drinking alcohol and finally gave 
up. Lately, we have been trying to stop people from using marijuana and it 
looks like a losing battle again. Why don't we stop people from smoking 
tobacco as this product is killing more people than marijuana? This would 
also be a losing battle.

When are we ever going to quit getting involved in loosing battles? If 
alcohol and tobacco are legal, then why not legalize marijuana and let all 
of the people out of jail and prison who are there for using it. Our 
farmers could raise the stuff and pay taxes on the sale. Stores could sell 
it and pay taxes on their sales. Those who have to have it would be able to 
buy it at a reasonable price and wouldn't have to hold up a store to get 
the money to buy it. We also could lay off most of the enforcers who are 
after the people who are now using it.

If we don't do something other than what we are doing now, eventually half 
of our young people will be locked up in jail or prison.

FRED J. PADDEN

Yuma
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