LETTER OF THE WEEK

BILL COULD LEGALIZE, REGULATE MARIJUANA USE

A Solid and Sensible Case for Legalization

Thank you for making such a solid and sensible case for the
legalization and regulation of marijuana ["Legalize marijuana,"
Opinion, Feb. 20].

As Seattle's police chief for six years, and as a law-enforcement
officer for nearly three decades before that, I saw more than enough
on the front lines of the drug war to convince me that it's time to
end marijuana prohibition.

In addition to powerful economic and civil-rights arguments,
marijuana legalization will allow law enforcement to focus on
preventing and solving crimes against persons and property.
Legalization will eliminate a huge, untaxed revenue source for gangs
and cartels whose members never hesitate to use violence against each
other, the police and innocent citizens in order to protect their
illicit profits.

Our state's lawmakers have an opportunity to do the right thing
locally while also taking a powerful leadership role in the national
movement to end marijuana prohibition. For doubters and proponents
alike, The Times' editorial should be required reading.

Norm Stamper, Eastsound

Pubdate: Wed, 23 Feb 2011

Source: Seattle Times (WA)

Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n000/a010.html