Prohibition II (marijuana)
“History does not repeat itself, but it rhymes.” ? Mark Twain.
The U.S. Constitution was amended in 1920: The 19th amendment prohibited the sale, transportation and marketing of alcohol. Fourteen years later the 19th was repealed by the 21st.
What happened during 14 years of prohibition was best described by tycoon John D. Rockefeller, “Drinking has generally increased, the speakeasy has replaced the saloon; a vast army of lawbreakers has been recruited and financed on a colossal scale.”
Similarly, the prohibition against marijuana has increased violent criminality. It has used up precious law enforcement resources. And, here is the reality that I hope everyone will accept: It does not work. People buy it and smoke it everywhere in America.
So, what will change if we decriminalize marijuana? Government revenue, by way of taxes, will increase. The product will be regulated and controlled by government. Violence over marijuana will diminish here and in Mexico. The criminal justice system will be less burdened.
Interestingly, I found many assertions on the Internet about the harmful effects of marijuana, but I could not find one legitimate study to back those assertions.
Senator Feinstein has argued that California will lose funding from the federal government if we pass Proposition 19. I think it will work the opposite way: as with the anti-smoking laws, California will lead the way and the entire country will follow and end this madness.
Vote yes on 19.
Nelson Strasser
Kelseyville
