Pubdate: Tue, 19 Aug 2003
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI)
Copyright: 2003 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.jsonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/265
Author:  Randy Vizyak
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1224/a07.html

MARIJUANA: DON'T JUST ADDRESS MANDATORY SENTENCING

Regarding the Aug. 15 editorial "Rethinking long sentences," U.S. Supreme
Court Justice Anthony Kennedy is absolutely right. Our mandatory minimum
sentences for crimes such as non-violent drug offenses are "unjust." But let
us find the courage to rethink it even a little more.

There are an estimated 30 million Americans who use marijuana. The vast
majority of them are responsible users who work jobs and pay taxes. Do we
really want to lock up 30 million Americans? Eighty percent of Americans
believe in the decriminalization of marijuana; 35% believe in legalization,
and that percentage would be even greater if people would overcome their
fear and engage in rational debate on the subject.

There were no laws prohibiting marijuana for the first 160 years of our
nation's existence. Alcohol prohibition lasted only 14 years. Its failure
was recognized early on. Marijuana prohibition has lasted more than 65
years. It's time to end prohibition.

Randy Vizyak
Mukwonago
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MAP posted-by: Josh