Pubdate: Fri, 14 Feb 1997
Source: Spokesman-Review, Spokane (WA)
Author: Rand Clifford

Marijuana prohibition began in 1937, with the unconstitutional Marijuana
Tax Act. Taxes ought to be for raising revenue, not for prohibiting certain
behaviors.

So, the whole thing began in shame and to keep it all going, the shame has
had to get worse and worse.

After 60 years it appears federal authorities are willing to suspend
any of our rights and intrude without limit into our daily lives to protect
us from marijuana.  Never mind how obvious it is that prohibition of any
substance as popular as marijuana cannot work.  Alcohol prohibition is a
perfect example.

Prohibition means no control.  Until marijuana is controlled like
alcohol and tobacco, the war on drugs will keep damaging us more than all
illegal drugs combined ever could.

Objective analysis of the truth about marijuana and its prohibition
leaves a rational person thinking there must be so much more to it all.  The
truth about hemp makes it all clear.  Were hemp not such a valuable natural
resource, prohibition of marijuana might never have happened.  It certainly
would not be 60 years old.

Rand Clifford
Spokane, WA