In my opinion, you are absolutely on the money---the tax money, that is. This issue of decriminalization is the lone obstacle surrounding legalization. Some will insist that there are legitimate pros and cons but it's about controlling societal elements. Simplistic as it appears, control the people and you control the elements. Nobody can control alcohol or cigarettes but politicos can and will do their best to scare the crap out of you so they can control you, the consumer. This is the mindset of a politician believing himself/herself to be above their constituents. And it is incredibly ugly for all its manipulation.
Not to suggest booze and tobacco are good for us for we know there are real threats lurking in the shadows. At the same time, there comes a point in terms of social evolution wherein folks will predictably rise up and declare, "I won't take this crap any more!" I believe each of us retains the inalienable right to decide on matters concerning his/her fate. I've had to face cancer in the eye this past year. That doesn't translate into my allowing someone to tell me I'm not allowed to smoke a cigarette or use fake sugar or eat those cancerously delicious barbequed ribs if I choose. I will live as I see fit and I choose what fits.
Most of this debate surrounding cannabis is really about a select few doing their damnedest to retain control over masses of people. Notice I don't refer to "the masses" as that's ambiguous and might be interpreted as "them asses." There will be a day when women insist upon the right to nurse their suckling babies without having to do so in a bathroom rather than out in the public eye. But try telling that to a founding father whose ambition was to renounce the very notion of equal rights. Countless instances of irreverently harsh treatment of factions without our society abound, pot now the pricker in the eye.
I'm pissed! I am not willing to surrender my executive privileges. I'm not a dog to be wagged by the tail held by politicians. I hope to see good people all over this great country of ours insist on THEIR EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGES!
My opinions are stated herein.
