MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION HAS HIDDEN GOAL

Have you noticed that hardly an issue goes by that the E-R doesn't
print some information about marijuana (like the well-written letter
by Jim Hanlon, Feb. 4, or the Associated Press story about
legislation from Sen. Ron Calderon)? Whether you favor, or oppose, we
need this kind of "news" about our community and state.

Unfortunately, there is a huge piece of the government's agenda that
is missing in the reporting that supports legalizing and then taxing
growth, distribution, sales and use. It is clear that unlike alcohol
(a social beverage), marijuana is a "drug" (a medicine), even without
an FDA stamp of approval.

Those who like the idea of legalizing, and agreeing to some tax on
it, miss the hidden agenda. Marijuana is a small fish in a big sea of
"drugs." So after changing the laws about marijuana, look out for the
next huge tax "opportunity" over other drugs. There will be a tax on
Vica-this and Oxy-that, and anything else the government can tax us
on in the world of drugs. Why? Because we agreed to a tax on the
"drug" marijuana.

Tell your elected representatives that you have been taxed enough and
vote no on any issue with hidden agendas.

- - Ward Habriel, Paradise