QUESTION 2 LEADS DOWN SLIPPERY SLOPE

Supporters of Question 2 get very prickly when anyone suggests their
effort to decriminalize possession of a small amount of marijuana has
anything to do with legalizing pot use. Instead we are to believe
that they are on a crusade to clear out the Massachusetts court
system, presently clogged with cases involving poor, unwitting
teenagers caught with a single joint.

OK, if that's how they want to spin it.

But there is just no escaping the fact that Question 2, which is
opposed by every district attorney in the commonwealth, is viewed by
many advocates as a back door approach to marijuana legalization.
Just the way the deep-pocketed, out-of-state supporters of the
campaign want it.

We urge a "no" vote on Question 2. It is the ultimate solution in
search of a problem.

Question 2 calls for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana to
be treated as a civil infraction, subject to a fine of $100, rather
than an arrestable offense. The measure requires parental
notification for a minor found in possession of marijuana. It does
not alter laws related to the sale or possession of large amounts of pot.

Supporters say marijuana use and related crime will not increase as a
result of this change. Even the taxpayers will save, the argument
goes. And again, they insist, this has nothing to do with legalizing pot use.

Strange, then, that financial support for the Yes on 2 campaign comes
largely from groups and individuals that advocate legalization and
want to see pot sold over the counter.

Billionaire George Soros, part of a New York group that backs
marijuana legalization, has contributed $400,000 to The Committee for
Sensible Marijuana Policy - 65 percent of the total raised, the
Herald has reported. The Marijuana Policy Project whose mission
includes legalization contributed $200,000.

Meanwhile a coalition of law enforcement, religious and community
groups is rightly warning that passage will lead to increased use of
the infamous "gateway drug" and lawlessness.

"Quite simply, Question 2 sanctions wrong over right and it would be
public policy of the worst kind," said Cape and Islands DA Michael O'Keefe.

We agree.