cannabisnews.com: Seattle Voters Favor Measure on Marijuana Seattle Voters Favor Measure on Marijuana Posted by CN Staff on September 17, 2003 at 07:55:00 PT By Beth Kaiman, Seattle Times Staff Reporter Source: Seattle Times A Seattle initiative that would make adult marijuana possession the lowest law-enforcement priority was passing last night, leaving police and prosecutors concerned about a soft-on-drugs message. I-75 was promoted as a way to make the most of limited law-enforcement resources, though critics called it a veiled attempt to condone marijuana use. I-75's biggest financial backers included the national Marijuana Policy Project and Peter Lewis, head of Ohio-based Progressive Auto Insurance, which favor decriminalization. Dominic Holden, a leader in the I-75 campaign and organizer of Seattle's annual Hempfest, said voters "don't think that adults who possess marijuana for personal use should go to jail." Victory is likely to be mostly symbolic. Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske has said I-75 wouldn't change police work on the street. Police handle about 400 misdemeanor-possession cases a year. City Attorney Tom Carr predicted defense attorneys now will likely challenge the prosecution of possession cases as running contrary to voters' wishes. He said I-75 gives children the idea that marijuana use is something society is going to "wink at and ignore." It was the second time in five years Seattle voters have considered easing up on drug laws. A 1998 medical-marijuana initiative passed with 70 percent of the vote. There was no organized opposition to I-75, though White House drug czar John Walters came to Seattle and called it irresponsible. I-75 was endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, the King County Bar and League of Women Voters of Seattle. Source: Seattle Times (WA)Author: Beth Kaiman, Seattle Times Staff ReporterPublished: Wednesday, September 17, 2003 Copyright: 2003 The Seattle Times CompanyContact: opinion seatimes.comWebsite: http://www.seattletimes.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Sensible Seattle Coalition http://www.sensibleseattle.org/D.C. Bud? - Seattle Weeklyhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17331.shtmlPot Measure Backed By Money, Political Support http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17326.shtmlDrug Czar Blasts City's Initiative on Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17269.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #4 posted by mayan on September 17, 2003 at 17:12:45 PT "Idea" He said I-75 gives children the idea that marijuana use is something society is going to "wink at and ignore."What idea do children get when they see someone locked in a cage for using a plant? [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by billos on September 17, 2003 at 11:01:44 PT: Leave the children out of it, will ya? ---He said I-75 gives children the idea that marijuana use is something society is going to "wink at and ignore."--- Nobody said that children should be ALLOWED pot. Hell, the children KNOW society winks at and ignores (for the vast part) the dangers of alcohol. Why do the prohibitionists always use "The Children" as the final defense? [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by kaptinemo on September 17, 2003 at 08:23:24 PT: Vox populi...and the police better listen, too Look, antis, it doesn't get any simpler than this:For decades, the DrugWarriors have been 'sending a message' to the public at large and cannabists in particular.Well, the voting public, the same voting public THAT PAYS THE TAXES FUNDING THE POLICE AND MAKES IT POSSIBLE FOR THEM TO DRAW A PAYCHECK OFF OF THE PUBLIC'S BACK has sent a message of their own to the police: LAY OFF!How much more of a hint do you need? Do you have to have your noses rubbed in it, the way you teach a dog not to make messes in the house?Every time I hear some cop make this kind of statement, I am reminded of the story where a police academy applicant was turned down because he was considered too smart for the job... [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Jose Melendez on September 17, 2003 at 07:58:59 PT Hatch at it Again Choose FREEDOM, not VICTORYhttp://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1401/a09.html?397 [ Post Comment ] Post Comment