DON'T IGNORE BENEFITS OF LEGALIZING POT

Regarding the article, London police fume at plan to legalize pot (Sept. 5).

The potential benefits, both financial and social, that would arise from
the government's regulation of marijuana are just too important to ignore.

Taxes gained from marijuana sales could go toward drug treatment and
education programs for dangerous drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, as well
as law enforcement efforts against these substances.

Of course, the police associations across the country will be up in arms,
but what do you expect? Don't be fooled by Deputy Chief Murray Faulkner's
hot-button concern over the message being sent to our children.

The police are unionized and a smaller, more focused war on drugs means
less need for large, expensive anti-drug units.

While I am sure his concern for children is sincere, it cannot be grounds
for opposing legalization or he would also have to campaign against all the
beer advertising children are exposed to everyday. Labatt's wouldn't like that.

The legalization of marijuana does not represent a "back-to-school gift for
drug pushers."

Use common sense, people. Are pot smokers going to go to a drug dealer if
they can buy pot legally and cheaper at a legitimate business? Bootleggers
took an awful hit after alcohol prohibition was lifted. They started
pushing drugs instead.

C.V. Weaver

London