The Columbian, 21 Oct 2012 – I disagree with The Columbian’s endorsement of Initiative 502 to legalize marijuana. It’s pure fantasy to believe that drug dealers and marijuana growers will suddenly become responsible citizens and pay millions of dollars in taxes based on the poison they manufacture and distribute. It’s also pure fantasy to believe that legalizing marijuana will not result in significant increases in its use and drug-related crime in our neighborhoods. Usage surveys have already confirmed that marijuana usage in states having medical marijuana laws is increasing disproportionately when compared to states with no medical marijuana laws. As expected, it’s our school-aged children who are now using marijuana at increasing rates.