THE WAR ON POT

The war on alcohol began in 1920, and we know what happened. We won
that war by turning alcohol into a dubious ally that created jobs and
tax revenue, and removed the criminal consequences for all who wanted
nothing more than a lousy drink or a bit of fun.

Alcohol remains a vicious poison for some, and its negative impact on
society remains horrific, but the issues are now being addressed with
focused laws and intelligence rather than arbitrary government thuggery.

The war on marijuana began in 1938, and we know what happened. To
suggest that legalization would send a wrong message to kids is silly
because kids know that alcohol is worse, and it's legal. Those below a
certain age shouldn't be doing either, but we know that some will use
legal alcohol and illegal marijuana regardless of what anyone says or
does. It's been this way for more than 70 years, and it will remain so
regardless of what's legal and what is not.

The end of Prohibition sent a message that alcohol remained dangerous
in the wrong hands but was legal for responsible adults. What's the
difference today?

Fred Bilello

Pahoa