Pubdate: Mon, 18 Feb 2013
Source: Boston Globe (MA)
Copyright: 2013 Globe Newspaper Company
Contact: http://services.bostonglobe.com/news/opeds/letter.aspx?id=6340
Website: http://bostonglobe.com/
Author: Andrew Padua

OVERRUN BY LIQUOR STORES AND DEBRIS, HE'D WELCOME A MARIJUANA 
DISPENSARY INSTEAD

About 75,000 die each year from causes attributable to alcohol. This 
is in STARK contrast to the fact that the number of deaths 
attributable to marijuana use is practically zero.

I am offended by the misinformation and propaganda regarding concerns 
over proposed marijuana dispensaries. I live in a community of about 
6 square miles, with what seems like a liquor store on every corner. 
This does not include the countless bars and restaurants that also 
serve liquor or the smaller stores that sell beer and wine.

When I walk to my home, I pass a liquor store (no matter which 
direction I'm coming from), apparently drunken panhandlers, empty 
beer cans, nip bottles, and related debris. Compared to marijuana, 
alcohol is far more mentally and physically debilitating, affecting 
everything from emotional stability and reasoning to basic motor skills.

I would gladly trade any one of these alcohol-serving establishments 
in my neighborhood for a marijuana dispensary.

Andrew Padua

Dorchester
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