Puttin' Some Green Back into the Economy

**The Video Above Best Explains the Arguments for and Against Legalizing Marijuana.

I agree a little with Andrea and with Doug in his Friday, August the 13th post entitled "Money Does Grow if it's Marijuana." Legalizing marijuana is obviously gunna save a lot of otherwise law-abiding Americans from a few Class A and B Misdemeanors. And Hell, probably leave a lot more smiles on our faces too. But, while I don't have any personal issues with its recreational use, I do fear that any liberal rights given to Americans are bound to be taken advantage of sooner or later.

Ever since we came out of the dark ages (what my ancestors would have referred to as "Prohibition," attempts to curb drinking and driving practices have proved futile. Yes, more cops on the watch means more people being arrested and supposedly learning their lessons, but the intoxication-related death rates remain steady and overwhelmingly in your face. Now, everybody knows alcohol and weed are different animals. But is it any better for one mind-altering substance to be allowed in a fast moving vehicle over the other? Not really. You can legalize it and say that it is for "residential or registered venue use only," but people are gunna get high and drive. Obviously, they do already. And their driving skills are sometimes inhibited enough to be pulled over and ticketed for. Is it as dangerous as drunk driving? Studies say no. But, well...let's put it this way: "The good weed" can do a number on your reaction time. A friend of mine says the reason American's are irresponsible when it comes to drinking is because we are exposed to it too late in life (whereas most of the world's legal drinking age is 16-18, or even a customary glass of wine with dinner at any age). I say, American's take certain freedoms for granted until they are yanked from them. If a 21 year old in the free country can't handle himself under the influence, how is an American 16 year old just learning to driving going to fare?

Also, I would have assumed (before researching of course) that state law enforcement agencies are wasting precious funds on arresting, processing, and jailing so many harmless stoners every year. Rather, in Travis county anyway (which some might call the weed-smoking capitol of Texas), the penalty for a POM charge has been downgraded from arrest with jail time to a mere ticket (a fine from $200-400 for paraphernalia and/or any amount of marijuana under an ounce). This is actually saving the county time and money, and freeing up cells and police to handle the other more dangerous crimes occurring in our city. Did you know that car burglary and theft has risen along with Texas' unemployment rates? I fear homes and small businesses are next, we need our peace officers on the hunt, doing just that: "keeping the peace."

It is also important to note that some counties, like Shasta County in California, are having troubles keeping a relatively strapped police force in business. While the rest of the state of Cali wants to legalize pot, Shasta county might be thriving on it illegality. They can receive up to half a million dollars in federal anti-drug funding annually if they step up their pursuit of illegal growers. When results produce enough money to save several at risk jobs and keep their benefits rolling, you can bet the department will jump at the opportunity, and rightly so. Who's gunna let a prosperous Govt job slip through their fingers on a technicality? Personal beliefs of the dangerousness or moral use of recreational weed have always divided people not really "affected" by the occasional pot smoker. Even Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko admits it's not their most pressing concern, but "it's where the money is." In this unstable economy, where I'm living on Financial Aid, and ready to take the first job that calls back, who can argue with him?

I know, I'm confusing you. Am I against or for the legalization of marijuana? If you've been following my blog, you already know my stance on job loss and the necessity to change the way America spends (or should I say wastes) its tax dollars. But the law is the law, and until weed is legalized, our law enforcement departments have the right to collect. We may not all agree, or want to pay, but do we all agree or want to pay for a parking or a speeding ticket? No. But these are the funds that keep our protection forces in business. I'm against legalization if jobs are immediately cut, and taxes on weed (although I do support sin taxes) become exorbitant. People living the high life should have to pay out a bit more, if only for the future affordable health care in the U.S. Smoking anything after all is clearly not as healthy as not smoking. However, I'm for it people can learn that it's not all fun and games. Well, "fun," yes. And "games"? A-plenty! Smoke with your friends. Play hide and seek. Laugh at the news, or a dumb movie. Play a video game, or get out and play some disc golf. Go swimming at the Springs on a 103 degree day. But please, Walk, Don't drive if you really care to preserve the liberal-republican citizenry that makes up Austin, Texas.