Recent Police Raids Are Examples Of Moral Fascism At Work

I am amazed at the gross irresponsibility of our Anchorage Police
Department. I am angry at the moronic waste of city resources. The recent
raids on local businesses ("Cops raid shops for 'paraphernalia,' " March
19) are prime examples of moral fascism, and will have absolutely no effect
on the amount of marijuana smoked in Anchorage. All it does is show how out
of touch our elected and public safety officials are.

In America last year, we spent over 18 billion taxpayer dollars in a failed
attempt to stem the use of drugs. Between 1997 and 1999, more than two
million Americans were arrested for marijuana offenses, and most of those
arrests were for possession. According to the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, one out of every three adults has used marijuana. Tens of
millions have used marijuana in the past year.

Now, for all those who aren't paying attention: Marijuana is still legal in
Alaska. In State of Alaska v. McNeil (Case No. 1KE-93-947 CR) the judge
stated that the "Ravin (decision) was founded in the Supreme Court's
interpretation of the Alaska Constitution." It also stated that "the voters
cannot change the constitution simply by carrying the polls on a given
day." Finally it stated that the 1990 "initiative was inadequate to
overrule Ravin and that case remains the law." Look it up.

Now would be a good time to call your elected representatives and demand
that the moral fascists stop this absurd crusade.

Theron McGrew
Anchorage