Pubdate: Mon, 27 Jun 2011 Source: Seattle Times (WA) Copyright: 2011 The Seattle Times Company Contact: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409 Author: MacKenzie Allen, Speaker for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. LEGALIZATION A START TO SOLUTION Thank you for continuing to support the sensible legalization of marijuana ["Legalize marijuana," Opinion, June 23]. Your editorial and support for the new voter initiative by prominent figures, such as City Attorney Pete Holmes and former U.S. Attorney John McKay, signal that more people are beginning to realize the gravity of this failed "war on drugs." As a former deputy sheriff, I wholeheartedly agree that passing this reasonable initiative is what it will take to pressure members of Congress to eventually end the federal prohibition policy that not only paralyzes our jail system, but also places our law enforcers in danger. With my experience enforcing the drug laws in Washington, I can tell you that legalizing, regulating and taxing marijuana will be a much-needed start to dealing with the violence and corruption caused by prohibition. MacKenzie Allen Tacoma - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.