Pubdate: Thu, 03 Feb 2011
Source: New Times (San Luis Obispo, CA)
Copyright: 2011 New Times
Contact:  http://www.newtimesslo.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1277
Author: Rosemary Jordan

FIND SOME MIDDLE GROUND, LAW ENFORCEMENT

I am a small-business owner in downtown SLO. Earlier this year, I had 
a visit from our local fire department, doing their annual safety 
exams for local businesses.

Alas, as it turns out, I was not in compliance with state or local 
laws. They were thorough and polite and handed me a citation with the 
promise of a return visit to check on my compliance. We smiled at 
each other and said goodbye.

It was an easy fix, and I dealt with the matter promptly. I had not 
realized until recently how fortunate I was that our fire department 
is part of the thinking world, and I was not forced to lie face down 
on the floor, hands cuffed behind my back (in regards to the recent 
medical marijuana bust).

Oh, yes, I think there were children visiting my business that day. 
They could have been carted off to CPS.

Do you think that these people and their so-called non-compliance is 
more dangerous than my lack of fire safety? Oh, please! And before 
you answer that, think about the danger of fire and loss of life 
every year. FYI: There is no death index for marijuana. Come on-isn't 
there a middle ground here?

Rosemary Jordan - San Luis Obispo
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom