Pubdate: Mon, 30 Jul 2012
Source: Chico Enterprise-Record (CA)
Copyright: 2012 Chico Enterprise-Record
Contact:  http://www.chicoer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/861
Author: Dean Carrier

SOLVING FOREST PROBLEMS

Today's editorial regarding the illegal marijuana growing on our
public (and private) forest lands well defines the increasing problems
facing forest management agencies and the public but only suggests as
a solution, a "full scale assault" on the growers. Who's to do it,
when, and at what cost?

The truth is there are really only two viable solutions, neither of
which is perfect and each carries with it their own problems and
costs. We can legalize marijuana and bring the value of illegal crops
so low that it would eliminate any profit in illegal growing.

Or, we can levy a significant tax on society to establish and equip an
anti-marijuana task force capable of fully controlling the problem
(with scores of helicopters and hundreds of personnel). I have a hard
time believing the Enterprise-Record would support either.

In establishing our National Forests Gifford Pinchot advocated their
management for "the greatest good for the greatest number." Sometimes
the only solution is for society to choose the lesser of two evils.
Simply whining about it never solves anything.

- - Dean Carrier, Paradise
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MAP posted-by: Matt