THE POT PROBLEM

No one wants to keep marijuana illegal more than the drug
lords.

Legalizing and taxing marijuana could put the cartels and the gangs
out of the marijuana business - if Proposition 19 passes and the
counties wisely use the regulatory powers it is designed to give them.

Legalization would take away the huge economic incentive for the
terrorism, corruption and killing. It would relieve our law
enforcement officers of the burden of busting people for marijuana
possession so they can concentrate resources on real crimes. Finally,
legalization and taxation would channel the revenue from marijuana
taxes into essential public services and help balance California's
budget.

Lawrence Chamblee

West Hollywood