WAKE UP: LEGALIZE POT

I find the Journal Star's fear-mongering regarding the string of pot
busts in Lincoln unsurprising yet still disappointing.

Officers in haz-mat suits, terrified neighbors watching from the
"safety" of their homes? Not a single weapon was found in any of these
grow houses.

Marijuana is less harmful than alcohol and cigarettes. In addition,
there is not one recorded death caused by overconsumption of marijuana
. anywhere ... ever. Alcohol can't even make it through a month
without killing someone.

Of course, the No. 1 concern is that we keep the marijuana out of the
hands of our children. At the moment, who decides whether or not to
give marijuana to a child who wants it? The drug dealer does. Under
legalization we could regulate it in much the same way we regulate
alcohol.

Studies indicate that it's already easier for kids to get marijuana
than it is for them to get alcohol. Don't take my word on these
assertions. Look it up yourself. Why don't we wake up?

If it were legalized, not only could the city/state tap into the
revenue to shore up the budget shortfall, but the police could stop
spending taxpayer money to raid houses where people are growing a
common weed.

Matt Pirog, Lincoln