Pubdate: Fri, 01 Nov 2002
Source: Reno Gazette-Journal (NV)
Copyright: 2002 Reno Gazette-Journal
Contact:  http://www.rgj.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/363
Author: Betty Kruk, Laurel Stadler
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?162 (Nevadans for Responsible Law
Enforcement)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?163 (Question 9 (NV))

PROPONENTS DISTORT THE TRUTH ABOUT MARIJUANA

The paid lobbyist from Washington, D.C. would have Nevadans believe that 
those opposed to Question 9 are resorting to lies. Not true. The petition 
that brought us to this point was circulated with lies, and proponents 
continue to distort, hoping that the people of Nevada will believe there is 
no harm in legalizing three ounces of marijuana.

When I appeared with Billy Rogers on a radio talk show, he cited figures 
from Ohio, Arizona, Mississippi and two other states. I've since learned he 
was spreading more propaganda. I was born and raised in Mississippi, so I 
checked. Their laws are strict, contrary to what Rogers said.

Rogers concentrates on medical marijuana — not legalization of three 
ounces. I am a recovering cancer patient. If I were on my deathbed, in 
severe pain, I would not want to smoke marijuana to relieve the pain. I'm 
not so selfish as to want something made available to young people and 
others who become addicts.

The adverse ramifications to legalizing marijuana are horrendous. Talk to 
law enforcement, to rehab centers, to recovering addicts, to AA and see the 
results of addiction, with marijuana being the gateway to harder drugs.

Please vote no on 9.

Betty Kruk, Carson City

- ------------------------------------------------------------

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 
northern Nevada this year. We have provided support for many victims of DUI 
crashes. In recent years, we have seen more crashes that involve drugs 
(specifically marijuana) in addition to or instead of alcohol. The 1999 
Nevada Legislature passed legislation establishing the definition and 
threshold for many illegal substances as they relate to driving. This law 
was recently upheld by the Nevada Supreme Court in the case of Jessica 
Williams who killed six teens on a work crew in Las Vegas while driving 
under the influence of marijuana and other drugs.

This month, Kimberly Kautz of Silver Springs pled guilty to two counts of 
DUI (marijuana) causing the deaths of two girls, aged 11 and 14. In Reno 
alone, at least two cases are pending for DUI (marijuana) crashes with a 
total of seven dead victims. MADD's goal is no new victims, which can only 
be accomplished by enforcing existing laws and educating northern Nevadans 
to the dangers of drunk and drugged driving.

Question 9, the so-called Marijuana Initiative, contains language that will 
undermine existing DUI law and lessen its deterrent value. Please vote NO 
on Question 9.

Laurel Stadler, Dayton
- ---
MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart