Pubdate: Wed, 23 Feb 2011
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 2011 The Seattle Times Company
Contact:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409
Author: Chris Waldorf

BENEFITS OUTWEIGH COSTS

Thank you for an excellent and thoroughly put case for legalizing 
marijuana ["Legalize marijuana," Opinion, Feb. 20].

The cost to society of making something illegal that packs the same 
punch as a beer or a caffeinated coffee has been astounding. Just as 
when alcohol was illegal, prohibiting the legal sale of marijuana has 
brought large amounts of violence and gang warfare, for starters.

Sure it is a substance that has its downside, just as greasy French 
fries do, for that matter. As a society we need to weigh the 
trade-offs of having a substance be legal. In the case of marijuana, 
any costs are greatly outweighed by the benefits.

- - Chris Waldorf, Seattle
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart