DON'T LEGALIZE POT FOR REVENUE ENHANCEMENT

I support the legalization of marijuana and hemp. I disagree that we
should legalize marijuana for the purpose of tax revenue (or
cost-cutting by freeing up police hours). That proves the laws are
there not because they are about drug policy but the control of the citizens.

This "war" on drugs would be ended not because we no longer believe
pot is a threat, but because it is profitable. That's legalizing
crime for a money motive.

There are those who say the end justify the means; our government
needs more revenue. In reality money not spent on pot (and its
taxes), is spent elsewhere. Hence our close-to-zero savings rate and
the falsehood of money are coming from thin air.

GLENN VANDRESE

East China Township, May 18