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