YES ON 2!

To the editor:

The political philosopher John Stuart Mill wrote: "The only purpose
for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a
civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.
His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant.
He cannot rightfully be compelled to do or forbear because it will be
better for him to do so, because it will make him happier, because, in
the opinion of others, to do so with be wise, or even right."

I agree with Mill. He echoes the views of our Founding Fathers. I also
agree with our Alaska Supreme Court justices who are sober and
serious-minded people, not "hopheads" or outsiders. In Ravin v. State
our Supreme Court looked at the legitimate concerns about the effects
on society of the individual use of marijuana. The court concluded
that these societal concerns are insufficient to justify unlimited
government intrusion into the rights of an adult to privately consume
marijuana.

It also concluded that the state of Alaska did not have the right to
prohibit marijuana use in the home. However, according to Mill, and I
believe our founding principles, marijuana should be legal for an
adult to buy, own and then use in their home if they so choose.

Interestingly, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew cannabis on
their plantations, and cannabis was sold over the counter for personal
use. In fact, marijuana was a legal commodity in the United States for
much of our history.

The fact is that concrete scientific research has shown that marijuana
is less dangerous than alcohol. Now, one cause of cirrhosis of the
liver is alcoholism, and the reason we know this is due to scientific
research demonstrating cause and effect. No scientific study has found
that marijuana has such extreme health effects, and the evidence is to
the contrary.

To prohibit marijuana but not to prohibit alcohol is inconsistent with
Mill and our founding principles. Measure 2 is about the rights of an
adult citizen and the limits of government in a free society. Vote yes
on 2!

Joanna Pippenger

Fairbanks