EX-COP SUPPORTS PROP 19; OPPOSES ALL PROHIBITION

Stephen Downing commanded one of the largest anti-drug operations in
the nation as a member of the Los Angeles Police Department. As a part
of the war on drugs, his department spent millions of dollars on
equipment and personnel working to stamp out drug activity in Los Angeles.

Needless to say, it didn't work.

At retirement, Downing was deputy chief of the Los Angeles Police
Department. Now he is a member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition,
a 15,000-member organization made up of police officers, district
attorneys and judges who oppose prohibition and the cost in money and
human lives.

Downing pointed out the failure of prohibition of alcohol and the rise
in crime and gang activity that resulted.

"It wiped out the sixth largest industry in the country," Downing
said, "and created the largest crime syndicate in the country. The
crime rate dropped by one-half within 10 years after prohibition was
repealed."

Downing said prohibition was prompted by William Randolph Hearst
because hemp was a competitor with Hearst's paper business fueled by
Hearst's own trees; and Rockefeller, whose Dupont nylon business also
competed with hemp.

People arrested for possession of marijuana are considered criminals
and/or ex-convicts the rest of their lives, which makes it hard for
them to get a job, get a loan or participate in society in many ways,
Downing said, driving them into a life of real crime.

Downing prefers that those who have a problem with drugs be treated
for the problem rather than treating them as criminals.

He also points out that drugs can be sold to anyone now, but would be
limited to adults under Proposition 19.

It also would take the profit out of drugs on the black market and
provide taxes and time for police to take care of more serious offenses.

"California has provided leadership for the country in the past,"
Downing said. "This is another opportunity for California to provide
leadership to control the production and distribution of marijuana."