Pubdate: Fri, 27 Feb 2009
Source: Sacramento Bee (CA)
Copyright: 2009 The Sacramento Bee
Contact:  http://www.sacbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/376
Author: Gregg Matson
Note: Letters from newspaper's circulation area receive publishing priority
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09.n223.a01.html

TIME TO RETHINK

In 1933, in the midst of the Depression, America rethought its ban on
alcohol and relegalized it. Now, as we enter another depression, it's
time to rethink our ban on marijuana. The harmful effects of either
substance stay the same whether legal or not. The arguments for and
against legalization have all been heard. But in harsh economic
circumstances, the revenue potentials and the opportunity to redirect
police and court resources to matters more directly concerning public
safety necessitate the ending of a battle that has gone on too long
with no prospect of victory. It took a constitutional amendment for
the country to set things right with alcohol. The solution to our
marijuana ban is much simpler. Let California lead the way. Viva
states' rights.

Gregg Matson

Elk Grove
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin