ALL HANDS ON DECK FOR PROP 19

2010 Election Commentary

This is the home stretch of the Prop.19 campaign. If California is
going to make an historic decision to legalize marijuana for adults,
every West Coast Leaf reader needs to help inform people, to vote,
and to get others to vote Yes on 19 on Nov 2.

As a 34-year veteran police officer who speaks out against marijuana
prohibition, I know how tough it can be to talk to people - even
family and close friends - about why we need to regulate marijuana.

Cannabis is a topic that evokes strong feelings, and what many
understand as the overwhelming case for regulation can at first seem
radical or threatening to others.

When people have the courage to raise a tough topic, the rewards can
be great. My colleagues and I in LEAP (Law En force - ment Against
Prohibition) have heard from thousands of people who appreciate our
message on how prohibition has failed and why we need to change course.

Talking about Prop. 19 with family, friends, and strangers is not
just okay - it's essential. Here's why we need "all hands on deck" right now:

. The vote is likely to be very close. The polls are encouraging, but
victory is far from certain.

. Our opponents will spread plenty of untruths and disinformation
from now to Election Day. The defenders of prohibition know they are
vulnerable, and they can be expected to be aggressive in spreading
fear about Prop. 19.

. Mid-term elections typically draw lower overall voter turnout and
more voters whose demographic profiles suggest lower support for
legalizing marijuana.

I encourage every West Coast Leaf reader to inform himself or herself
about Prop. 19; talk to friends and family about why to vote Yes on
19; read several newspapers and write letters to the editor; and get
involved in the campaign.

To get volunteer and started, check out YesOn19.com,
facebook.com/taxcannabis, or twitter.com/taxcannabis.

Imagine, for a moment, how great it will feel to wake up on Nov. 3 to
read headlines and see broadcasts about the historic vote in
California to legalize marijuana for adults. We can make that happen,
but we have a lot of work to do. Complacency or over-confidence about
the outcome will sink us for sure. Let's act with confidence in the
knowledge that Yes on Prop. 19 is right and can win and then let's
each act like we personally had to get every 'yes' voter to the polls
ourselves.

The whole world is watching this California election. Let's show them
it's possible for people to work together to take a big step toward
ending the long national nightmare of marijuana prohibition.