Pubdate: Sun, 12 Jan 2014
Source: Dallas Morning News (TX)
Copyright: 2014 The Dallas Morning News, Inc.
Contact: http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/send-a-letter/
Website: http://www.dallasnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/117
Author: Tom Collingwood

Legal Pot

MORE ABUSE ON THE WAY

Legalization will make things worse because of one simple and plain 
consumer reality - more access to drugs (legal or illegal) leads to 
more drugs on the street that, in turn, equates to more drug use and 
abuse. The proponents of legalization mistakenly believe we can all 
use drugs just like alcohol in moderation and without serious consequences.

However, in real environments with little family or social structures 
that practice and teach self discipline and responsibility, there is 
an opposite effect. Independent of the "no different than alcohol" 
argument, why add another easily available substance to the scene?

The argument that legalization will get crime out of the drug 
business is opposite that of police organizations that maintain it 
will increase violent drug-induced crime and driving under the 
influence. Supporters of legalization also use the argument that by 
controlling the growing and selling of marijuana, the states can gain 
needed revenue.

Should we subsidize such financial expediency at the expense of the 
well-being of citizens?

Tom Collingwood, Richardson
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom