To the Editor: Re "Repeal Prohibition, Again" (editorial, July 27): Consumers have made marijuana a multibillion-dollar enterprise, as creative entrepreneurs will always provide for citizens' desires, regardless of government approval. We should legalize marijuana, and add a sales tax. Revenues will cover the social costs of any abuse. Citizens have more to fear from murder, arson, rape, muggings, robberies, auto and identity theft, and home break-ins. Free law enforcement to pursue those who commit real crimes against citizens and property. What consenting adults consume or inhale in the privacy of their own home or social club isn't the concern of government. Let us hope that we have finally learned from the obvious failures of Prohibition. Great Neck, N.Y., July 27, 2014 [end]
"Prosecutors are right on pot" (editorial, April 1) makes sense. Consumption of marijuana for both medical and recreational use is part of mainstream America, transcending generations. Consumers have voted with their dollars, making marijuana consumption a multibillion-dollar enterprise today. Legalize it and add a tax. Revenues will more than cover the costs of any abuse. Our tax dollars will be better used if police and judges spend more time prosecuting those who commit real crimes than going after those who consume or distribute marijuana. [continues 105 words]
A March 14 letter to the editor by Anthony Papa 'Failed U.S. Drug Policy' was health food for the mind. Consider that recreational or medical use of marijuana is now part of mainstream America, bridging many generations. Despite wasting billions of dollars, government attempts at stopping production, distribution and consumption has been a total failure. What consenting adults consume, inhale, perform, read or view in the privacy of their own home or private social club isn't the concern of government. [continues 106 words]
