Pubdate: Tue, 07 Dec 2010 Source: Sun, The (Yuma, AZ) Copyright: 2010 The Sun Contact: http://www.yumasun.com/sections/opinion/submit-letters/ Website: http://www.yumasun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1258 Author: Red Chandler SOME ADVANTAGES TO LEGAL MARIJUANA Arizona's medical marijuana law was at first a disappointment, but after thinking it over, I have changed my mind. One has to ask, what group of citizens pushed to have this law enacted? The 1960s generation, with the help of the educational establishment, has finally got the power through sheer numbers to pass liberal laws. At first I was enraged that such a law was passed in Arizona. After thinking it over, just maybe this law could be a win-win for taxpaying citizens of this state. The state is broke and new sources of revenue are constantly looked for and now we have it given to us by the liberals who love taxes anyway. Marijuana users won't have to go into the bad parts of town where they could get mugged or worse. Now they will be able to get their fix right on the main streets of towns across Arizona. Another advantage is, unlike alcohol, their metabolism is slowed down so those stoned on marijuana won't be involved in high-speed chases. They will be in the fast lane doing about 5 miles an hour. Another advantage is when they are arrested, they will go quietly to jail. Another advantage is with marijuana being several times higher in tar and nicotine than cigarettes, the users will find their lives cut short. That could be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on how one looks at it. With legal access to marijuana, many will lose their jobs due to being high. Many jobs will open up and our unemployment rate should go down. From now on when I see a long-haired guy or one wearing granny glasses and a sweatband, I will look at him not with disgust but admiration. If state government can't stop the spending hemorrhage, the liberals still have heroin and cocaine to legalize. Red Chandler Yuma - --- MAP posted-by: Matt