Pubdate: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 Source: Burlington Post (CN ON) Copyright: 2014 Burlington Post Contact: http://www.burlingtonpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1528 Author: Bart Piekarski RESIDENT 'SOURED' BY DRUG BUST Reading the Wednesday issue (July 2) of the Post, I'm sure I was not the only one soured by the recent police seizure of 150 lbs. of marijuana and the arrest of two men. In light of Colorado's recent attempt at legalizing and taxing cannabis, which has increased the state's tax revenue by 10 million US and decreased the state's violent crime rate by 5.2 per cent since its inception six months ago, it makes this recent bust feel like a bittersweet victory against crime. There are many concerns regarding public safety and marijuana and they all must be addressed carefully. However, I think we have seen ample evidence that the old 'tough-on-crime' system of deterrence and incarceration does sufficiently satisfy the public good. I hope Ontarians will be mindful of Colorado's example and let their constituents know it is time for beneficial change. Bart Piekarski, Burlington - --- MAP posted-by: Matt