Pubdate: Tue, 14 Jan 2014
Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM)
Copyright: 2014 Albuquerque Journal
Contact:  http://www.abqjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/10
Author: Stan Fitch

DRAW LINE ON MARIJUANA USE

MY BELIEF IS that the proposal to legalize recreational use of 
marijuana is wrong.

My family has experienced, and continues to experience, severe 
substance abuse problems. The illegality of marijuana and other drugs 
has not prevented my family from obtaining these drugs and thereby 
compromising their health and productivity. One relative started with 
marijuana, but is now using heroin and cocaine. We are concerned that 
relative will also pursue meth. The relative has relinquished 
scholarships and has dropped out of college. Today, the relative is 
failing to pursue a meaningful life and is ruining his health.

The role of the federal and state governments under the U.S. 
Constitution is to provide for the common defense, security, and 
safety of America's citizens. By legalizing such use of marijuana, 
the state Legislature would shirk its responsibility to protect the 
public safety and would be sending the message that societal 
integrity is unimportant.

Legalizing the recreational use of marijuana would certainly save 
money on enforcement. However, the casualty costs to health and 
reduced productivity would far outweigh the costs of enforcement. 
Eventually, increased drug usage would compromise the country's 
ability to provide for its own common defense and security.

Although the Constitution allows the people to pursue broad civil 
liberties, not all possible civil liberties are necessarily 
expedient. I believe that it is time to draw a line. That line might 
as well be in the New Mexico sand.

STAN FITCH

Sandia Park
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom