Pubdate: Thu, 17 Oct 2002
Source: Las Vegas Mercury (NV)
Copyright: 2002 Las Vegas Mercury
Contact:  http://www.lasvegasmercury.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2595
Author: Geoff Schumacher
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?163 (Question 9 (NV))
Note: Non-drug policy content omitted

EDITOR'S NOTE: SKINNING CATS

Las Vegas Sun columnist Jeff German reported Sunday that the
anti-marijuana forces are having trouble raising money to fight Question 9.
They've raised just $4,600, dwarfed by the $1 million spent so far by the
pro-pot contingent. German's analysis is that "apathy" is the reason
organizations such as the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Nevada Resort
Association haven't risen up to fight "the social and monetary ills of
legalizing marijuana."

On the other hand, one might suggest that the Las Vegas business community
isn't as hellfire panicked about marijuana legalization as Mr. German and
his friends at Metro. One might ponder whether: 1) the business community
realizes there's not much difference between marijuana and alcohol, which
gushes from taps and bottles at local casinos, bars, restaurants and
nightclubs; 2) the legalization of marijuana could be good for business; or
3) if the measure passes this year, they can attack it with both barrels two
years from now when it returns to the ballot for final approval.

In other words, apathy, in this case, equals action.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Josh