Pubdate: Sun, 19 Feb 2006 Source: Des Moines Register (IA) Copyright: 2006 The Des Moines Register. Contact: http://desmoinesregister.com/index.html Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/123 Author: Carl Olsen Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) ILLEGAL CRIME Johnson County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek's suggestion to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana was met with "reefer madness" from state Rep. Clel Baudler (Feb. 9, "Sheriff: Tie Penalty to Pot Amount"), who stated, "It sends the message that "OK, if you are just a little crook, we're not going to really bother you.' " Isn't that like saying it's a crime because it's illegal? I guess it's only OK with Representative Baudler to suggest increasing the penalties. You would think a law-enforcement official would know what constitutes a serious crime. State legislators need to realize that law-enforcement resources are limited. Jails should be a place for people who represent an immediate danger to others. What I can't figure out is why legislators love alcohol and hate marijuana. What is so wonderful about alcohol, other than the money the alcohol manufacturers spend on legislators' campaigns? - - Carl Olsen Des Moines. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman