Pubdate: Tue, 29 Jul 2014
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2014 Larry Penner
Contact: http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/lettertoeditor.html
Website: http://www.nytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298
Author: Larry Penner
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n617/a03.html
Note: Editorial Series
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/07/27/opinion/sunday/high-time-marijuana-legalization.html
Note: First of five letters

LEGALIZE MARIJUANA? RESPONSES VARY

To the Editor:

Re "Repeal Prohibition, Again" (editorial, July 27): Consumers
have made marijuana a multibillion-dollar enterprise, as creative
entrepreneurs will always provide for citizens' desires, regardless
of government approval. We should legalize marijuana, and add a sales
tax. Revenues will cover the social costs of any abuse.

Citizens have more to fear from murder, arson, rape, muggings,
robberies, auto and identity theft, and home break-ins. Free law
enforcement to pursue those who commit real crimes against citizens
and property.

What consenting adults consume or inhale in the privacy of their own
home or social club isn't the concern of government. Let us hope
that we have finally learned from the obvious failures of
Prohibition.

LARRY PENNER

Great Neck, N.Y., July 27, 2014
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D