Pubdate: Mon, 18 Mar 2002
Source: Columbian, The (WA)
Copyright: 2002 The Columbian Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.columbian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/92
Author: Melanie M.Marshall
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

STOP ARRESTING AMERICANS

Marijuana prohibition hurts more people than marijuana ever could.

There is no reason to arrest and jail responsible marijuana users. 
Marijuana simply is not dangerous, and the belief otherwise is doing 
America harm.

Consider that cigarettes cause 400,000 deaths a year while marijuana has no 
history of causing any death. The laws are not consistent.

Last year, $7.5 billion was spent on marijuana prohibition and 700,000 
people were arrested. Thousands of jail spaces are taken up by these 
victimless criminals, while level three sex offenders are out.

These priorities do not reflect a free and responsible society. The 
sensible solution would be to issue fines for marijuana possessions. Jail 
spaces and innocent citizens would be freed, and police could spend more 
time and money on serious crimes like burglary, rape, and vandalism.

All I'm asking is for the punishment to fit the crime and for people to do 
their own research and then tell legislators how they feel. It is my hope 
that the truth about marijuana rises above all else and America declares, 
"No victim, no crime!"

Melanie M.Marshall, Puyallup
- ---
MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager