Pubdate: Mon, 07 Sep 2015
Source: Columbus Dispatch (OH)
Copyright: 2015 The Columbus Dispatch
Contact:  http://www.dispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/93
Author: Thomas F. Rork
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n499/a02.html

ASSAULT ON CONSTITUTION MUST BE STOPPED

The Wednesday Dispatch article "Investors in legal pot are diverse" 
mentioned my paramount concern with this scheme. As Curt Steiner, 
spokesman for Ohioans Against Marijuana Monopolies, said, "It's a 
shame a small number of wealthy individuals are trying to get richer 
by cementing themselves into the Ohio Constitution."

To be quite clear, I have nothing against the 1 percent, or their 
desire to make more money.

It is the method they choose I find fatally flawed. The state 
constitution is the foundation for the rule of law in our state. To 
enshrine in the constitution the right of 24 individuals to have sole 
control of what amounts to a drug cartel is abhorrent and repugnant.

Their goal is stated in the article: "They all want to make money, 
and lots of it."

Annual revenue of $1 billion certainly fits that description.

That a portion of that money is to flow from private to public hands 
raises more questions.

How much is earmarked to be directed to local governments, and what 
assurances are built in to prevent corruption?

Sure there are many other questions about this dubious enterprise.

But that only serves to highlight how justifying this abomination in 
perpetuity in the constitution is wrong, and must not be permitted.

No matter how one feels about legalization of marijuana, he or she 
should vote "no" to end this assault on our constitution.

THOMAS F. RORK

Lancaster
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom