Another View

OPEN DEBATE ON MARIJUANA

WHY this country allows its citizens to consume alcohol, but not
marijuana, is a bit of a mystery.

Both substances have mind-altering capabilities. Both substances, if
abused, can destroy the lives of the user and anyone who crosses the
user's path.

But both substances can be used responsibly and moderately, according
to Rep. Barney Frank, the Massachusetts Democrat.

And perhaps most importantly, our government spends an inordinate
amount of time and money arresting and prosecuting pot users - about
12 million citizens have been arrested on a marijuana-related charge
since 1965, according to NORML, an organization that wants marijuana
use to be legalized.

Frank announced recently that he would introduce a bill that would
decriminalize the possession of less than a quarter-pound of
marijuana. Advocates argue that because alcohol is a legal substance,
marijuana should be, too. Instead, marijuana should be regulated in
the same way as alcohol, and the threat of arrest should be limited
for only those whose use affects someone else, such as in the case of
driving while intoxicated by the drug. ...

It would be nice if Frank's proposal sparked an honest debate about
the effectiveness of the war on pot, especially in a nation grappling
with the war on terror, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and facing the
largest deficit in its history.

The Vail (Colo.) Daily.