ALARMIST OPPONENTS

I lived in Oakland for 27 years. I was instrumental in getting
Proposition 215 passed and making the dispensaries a reality in the
Bay Area. I now live in south Florida, where the marijuana laws are
the harshest in the country.

Yes, I believe any city in California will profit from licensed
dispensaries that provide a thriving business. Yes, I think the
state's financial crisis would also be somewhat alleviated.

I do not understand the rationale behind the cities and counties in
California that are banning the dispensaries. They say they are
afraid of children getting high on pot. So make the dispensaries
"childproof" and far from schools. Also, closed circuit cameras and
armed security guards at each facility would make them "crime-proof."

So what is their beef? I think it is just reactionary thinking,
fueled by fear of the unknown. Opponents are alarmists and would
impede progress at a grass-roots level. Proponents are farseeing
venture businessmen who also want to provide a service to the
handicapped and medically needy of their respective communities.

Scott Goodman

Boynton Beach, Fla.