Pubdate: Sat, 16 Aug 2008 Source: Des Moines Register (IA) Copyright: 2008 The Des Moines Register. Contact: http://desmoinesregister.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/123 Author: James F. Grimm STATE PREFERS ALCOHOL OVER MARIJUANA USE In the Aug. 4 article, "Iowans' Tippling Boosts State Coffers," it was reported that the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division raked in revenue of $87.6 million from the sales of a very dangerous recreational drug that people can die from if they drink too much of it. At the same time, Iowa will arrest responsible adults and take away their driver's licenses - even if the so-called crime had nothing to do with driving - for simply possessing marijuana, a plant that is impossible to fatally overdose on. If convicted of possession of marijuana, the criminal will have to pay the state a good chunk of money in order to stay out of jail, and will be harassed by the Iowa Department of Corrections until probation is completed. Make sense? James F. Grimm, Des Moines - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake