Jim-
I'm in agreement with most of what you said. I haven't smoked pot in many years, and I don't really drink anymore, either (maybe 6 beers in the past 12 months). I still get angry with the way the govt. is handling the "war on drugs". Criminalization is not the answer, and that's been proven. As far as seeing polls, keep in mind that several states have put it up for a vote, and the voters said to legalize it. Polls are opinions, votes become laws. Unfortunately, we are no longer free enough to make our own decisions. Even if a state votes for legalization, the federal government slaps the state in the face and firmly tells them to go stand in the corner for suggesting such a thing. What's the point of having state elections if the federal government is going to overrule what the people voted for? The only reason alcohol is still legal and pot isn't is money, IMHO.
Please remember that I am not advocating the use of drugs. What I am is sick of pouring billions of our tax dollars into a war we are losing, and can not win. If it were legalized, we (the govt.) could tax and regulate it. Pot would bring money in, rather than come out of all of our paychecks for the "war". There are other alternatives. I actually support what has worked in other countries, which is decriminalization. It's not quite legalization, but it's close. It's basically saying that if you can get stoned, and still be a responsible person, go for it. But, if you screw up, we'll arrest you. What in the world is wrong with that?
Take care,
-Chris
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