OFFICIAL FEAR-MONGERING AND POT LEGALIZATION INITIATIVE

District Attorney Cliff Newell's and Sheriff Keith Royal's position
on legalization flies in the face of history, and appears based on
loose unsubstantiated theory that promotes fear as the weapon of
pubic propaganda.

Both men are well respected professionals, doing their difficult jobs
with excellence, but as they are running "unopposed" and asserting
personal political views on laws not yet passed, I feel it's fair
game to comment.

If the repeal of the National Prohibition Act in December 1933
reflects anything, it proved that the reduction from violence of the
"black market" was the actual social impact. Prohibition created a
black market that competed with the formal economy, which already was
under pressure.

Roosevelt promised improvement to the economy that was only possible
if the formal economy competed successfully against various economic
forces, including the effects of prohibition's black market. Passing
this legalization of marijuana law removes the profit motive behind
the few but sensationalized acts of random violence we have seen in
Nevada County. Should we close the banks because robbers occasionally
select them as a target? Maybe those opposed to pot
legalization/regulation should consider the impact of cigarettes,
alcohol, sugar and coffee abuse?

Everything in moderation? Which promote more violence (as to both
mind/body/spirit and society)?

Morgan Halperin, Attorney

Nevada City