CON: YES IS NOT A STEPPING STONE

For conservatives:

Nation, people do not know what is best. Some cannot be trusted to
make their own decisions, especially about marijuana.

Think of California. Medical marijuana is a slippery slope to full
repeal of marijuana laws.

Yes, freedom is important but at what cost. Think of the children.
Marijuana is a gateway drug. If this measure passes, it won't be long
before violent crimes, hard drugs and gangs from Mexico invade our
neighborhoods.

As former U.S. Commissioner of Narcotics Harry J. Anslinger uncovered,
"Those who are accustomed to habitual use of the drug (marijuana) are
said eventually to develop a delirious rage."

Most South Dakotans are good, honest, hardworking folks. For goodness
sake, let's vote to protect those who don't know as well as
conservatives do.

For sensible people:

Medical marijuana will lead to widespread acceptance of marijuana in
South Dakota like Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation brought about
the speedy acceptance of civil rights in America.

With an overfilled agenda, the state lacks the resources to
institutionalize marijuana.

As many know, the infrastructure for marijuana sales in our state
already exists, and the private sector - legal businesses, new
investors - would jump at the chance.

I am speaking, of course, about decriminalization.

As per a 2005 study, South Dakota stands to gain $2 million in tax
revenue from the sale of marijuana. But in South Dakota, medical
marijuana is not a stepping stone to decriminalization.

It is a roadblock.

Pass medical marijuana in South Dakota, and the benefits of
decriminalization - tax revenue, greater police focus on violent
crimes - will never come.

Supporters are anxious to pass something, but legislation is a game of
chess. South Dakota holds the unique distinction of being the only
state to propose a marijuana law and have it fail. That only
reiterates how divided the state is on the issue.

A vote for medicinal use is a vote for conservative backlash. Any
misuse of the proposed measure would lead to negative sentiment about
marijuana.

If medical marijuana passes, conservatives will not likely support
decriminalization. With medicinal use separated from overall
acceptance, there would be no compassion argument for
decriminalization.

The crux of the issue, however, is "Yes" will not work because the
federal government does not recognize state laws on marijuana.

How is decriminalization any different? The state legislature could
pass a resolution to support making marijuana prosecution the lowest
priority of local law enforcement. Simply, South Dakota would not
waste resources on marijuana.

Remove emotion for a moment and think logically. Waiting to pass the
right measure first - decriminalization - is what South Dakota needs,
not a rushed compromise.

After Prohibition, alcohol was decriminalized. Alcohol is not
purchased from the state for good reason. What would Vermillion be
like with a single liquor store controlled by the local government?
That would be terribly corrupt.

A library of studies supports both sides of every issue: the
likelihood of dependency, the propensity for users to use other drugs
- - a gateway drug - and the medicinal properties. Everyone should be
free to weigh the benefits and risks of marijuana use for themselves.

As an aside, I do not smoke pot. In reference to the terminally ill, I
know certain pharmaceuticals in combination have the same medical
benefits as marijuana. And, I know those pharmaceuticals are very expensive.

Appealing to voter compassion is a very effective strategy. As such,
the medical marijuana measure has a fair chance of passing. But know
this, by compromising and conniving supporters of the Measure 13 have
kept decriminalization from coming sooner, if at all.

Want progress? Want freedom? Don't compromise. Vote no.