RE: 'PROP. 19: VOTE YES' AND 'PROP. 19: VOTING NO IS THE BEST CHOICE'

As a police officer who tried to enforce California's failed and
costly marijuana laws for almost three decades, I read with interest
the debate you published about Proposition 19. I'd like to add my
support for legalization and regulation.

The author of the no-on-19 piece argued the initiative wouldn't hurt
the violent cartels who control today's black market. But in reality
Prop. 19 provides a means for taking a huge bite out of the lucrative
bottom lines of these bloodthirsty thugs who make 65 to 70 percent of
their profits from marijuana alone. Remember, we don't have any wine
cartels or gangsters growing grapes in our national parks to undercut
today's legal market for alcohol.

The pro-prohibition writer also argued the initiative would "allow
every city and county in the state to have completely different
ordinances." When did local control and adherence to community
standards become problems rather than solutions? We allow cities and
counties to decide what works best for them regarding everything from
alcohol sales and lawn size. There's no reason to think we can't do it
with marijuana.

When even police officers like me are stepping forward to say our
marijuana laws have failed and cause immense harm, it's definitely
time for a change. Prop. 19 will protect public safety and just plain
makes sense.

Norm Stamper

Eastsound, Wash.