Pubdate: Sat, 21 Feb 2009
Source: Bellingham Herald (WA)
Copyright: 2009 Bellingham Herald
Contact:  http://www.bellinghamherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/43
Author: Chris Hall

SAYS POLICE SHOULD LAY OFF POT BUSTS

In response to the article about Michael Phelps not being charged with
possession of marijuana I cannot be happier.

This is not an issue whether you are for or against the use of
marijuana. If they had indeed charged Phelps, what would be preventing
police from also going on YouTube or Facebook and launching
investigations into every photo of someone using a bong? What if there
was an underage college student pictured drinking, why not pursue them
for an minor-in-possession as well?

The idea that charging someone with a crime based on a photo was even
mentioned is preposterous. There was no evidence that the bong even
had marijuana in it or that he even actually lit it. Still, police
launched a full investigation.

Is there nothing better to do with police time and taxpayer dollars
then pursue a college party? Police "kicked in the door and came in
with guns drawn," all to seize nothing more than a few cigarettes
worth of marijuana. These young adults were nothing more than college
students who were looking to relax on the weekend, not drug dealers
and gangsters.

Watch out for Big Brother.

Chris Hall

Bellingham
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin