CA, OR & AZ voters

[aphid 0]

You have some difficult choices tomorrow. I wish you clarity of mind and purpose as you cast your ballots.

I am a foreigner, but if you don't mind, I'd like to offer my perspective on just one issue that you will be dealing with tomorrow.

I don’t use it. I don’t grow it. I don’t sell it. I don’t profit by it. But, I urge ALL my American friends to VOTE YES on the specific propositions on their state ballots on Tuesday. The half-dozen people who truly know me already understand my opinion. Those who don’t might be surprised. Read on if you’d like to know why I support this. Don’t read any further if you don’t care.

My province is heralded worldwide for the quality of the buzz of “BC Bud”. It is reported the illegal grow-ops that thrive here generate up to $7 billion (yes, that’s a “B” billion) annually in unreported income. These earnings are not reported or taxed. Many growers drive 6-figure automobiles, roar around the lakes in 6-figure boats, live in 7-figure homes, and yes, some even fly 7-figure aircraft. All without contributing one goddamned penny to the taxation-funded infrastructure of our society, although they happily avail themselves of every one of those services. And they sure as hell don’t voluntarily donate to noble causes because an income-tax receipt does them absolutely no good.

Where there is prohibition, the absolute garbage of society moves in to profiteer. Biker and ethnic gangs rule the distribution of this product in my country. They battle for market domination, visiting violence on each other. I could give a runny shit about them as they kill each other. But their violence often impacts (relatively) innocent victims.

“Darryl Plecas, criminology professor at the University of Fraser Valley and director of the Centre for Criminal Justice Research, predicts that decriminalizing pot in California will have a significant economic impact on the illegal trade of B.C. bud — and will weaken organized crime groups.” http://www.theprovince.com/news/industry+could+smoke+with+California+vote/3752470/story.html#ixzz140F82oWw

And it’s not just Canada. Try this on for size... “Policy analysts from the RAND Corporation estimate the price of street marijuana could fall as much as eighty percent if California’s measure passes. The resulting plummet would force the cartels to reassess the viability of their international marijuana operations. The legalization of marijuana could... provide a significant reduction of power for the Mexican cartels.” http://www.gossipjackal.com/huh/2010/07/18/legalized-marijuana-a-legitimate-rival-to-mexican-cartels/

With all this unreported cash, how do you launder it? It’s quite simple really. Buy a legitimate service-oriented business that is based largely on cash sales. Here are some quick examples... you may never look at your neighbourhood quite the same way again: car wash, coin-op laundry, pay-day lenders, restaurant, pub or bar, and yes, even a drop-zone. Don’t believe me? Try googling “(BOP) Register # 95870-024”

Prohibition also creates a criminal where none truly exists. Canada decriminalized modest possession decades ago. But, with the warmest (sarcasm fully intended) regards to Nancy Reagan and her “Just Say No” bullshit, hundreds of thousands of law-abiding tax-paying Canadians are not allowed to vacation in any US state or territory, denied at the Point of Entry by oh-so-intelligent Customs and Border Protection officers. Even though the misdemeanour charge may have been levied 25 years or more ago. (On the upside though, Canada does have a thriving charter air-carrier industry flying these Canadians non-stop to warm holidays south of the USA)

Some might defend prohibition suggesting users could be encouraged to graduate to harder, addictive and ultimately more harmful illicit drugs. There will be addicts always. Tobacco, alcohol, gambling or internet porn, it matters not. If a goodly portion of a useless group from society would rather “check out”, just think of the employment opportunities left for the straight folks. Again, I could give a rat’s-ass if the meth-heads want to move to the islands, weave wicker baskets and contemplate faeries in the embers of their bonfires.

Thank you for your patience if you've read this far.

John

[headoverheels 334]

I doubt that it will have the desired effects you say. And for it to do so, there would have to be illegal export of the California weed to other states/countries.

[skipbelt 0]

income tax laws must be a lot different up there. down here al capone was only ever charged and convicted of 1 crime . income tax evasion . down here if an IRS agent finds you in ownership of any real or personally owned property without corresponding tax returns you are guilty till you prove yourself innocent . jail , forfeiture and fines await !

[nanook 1]

That is a big prediction here. The price of pot here in California will not be the same as say, arizona and nevada. There will still be illegal growers here and they may just attract the ilk from Canada to move here. We will only change criminal behavior, not get rid of it.

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"The trouble with quotes on the internet is that you can never know if they are genuine" - Abraham Lincoln

[Andy9o8 2]

A well-done essay. Thank you.

[lewmonst 0]

Well said.

http://www.exitshot.com