Paul Armentano counters Feinstein's misguided opposition to marijuana legalization

From the LA Times:

Democrat Dianne Feinstein, California's senior U.S. senator, has thrown her weight behind the effort to defeat Proposition 19, the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Initiative of 2010. Apparently Feinstein believes that California's present pot prohibition, which was initially enacted in 1913 yet has done nothing to reduce the plant's availability or use, is worth keeping.

Feinstein supports campaign to defeat marijuana legalization measure

From the LA Times:

California's senior U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein has endorsed "No on Prop 19," the main opposition campaign to Proposition 19.  She issued a statement today calling the measure "a jumbled legal nightmare that will make our highways, our workplaces and our communities less safe."

Dale Sky Clare, a spokeswoman for Tax Cannabis 2010, responded that she was not surprised by the lack of support from Feinstein and other top officials. "I'm just not putting a lot of faith in politicians to lead," she said. "The voters have always led on this issue."

California voters, please take a moment and contact Senator Feinstein.  Ask her if she is aware that:

1. Regarding highways: Proposition 19 specifically states, "nothing in this Act shall permit cannabis consumption by the operator of any vehicle, boat or aircraft while it is being operated, or that impairs the operator;" (proposed Health and Safety Code, Article 5, Chapter 5, Division 10, Section 11300(c)(iii)).
2. Regarding workplaces: "No person shall be punished, fined, discriminated against, or be denied any right or privilege for lawfully engaging in any conduct permitted by this Act or authorized pursuant to Section 11301 of this Act. Provided however, that the existing right of an employer to address consumption that actually impairs job performance by an employee shall not be affected" (proposed Health and Safety Code, Article 5, Chapter 5, Division 10, Section 11304(c)). [Emphasis added.]
3. Regarding our communities -- detailed studies (such as this one, this one, or this one) have shown that drugs are not a major cause of crime.  In 2001, Portugal decriminalized all drugs and the results, both on public health and safety, have been largely positive-- certainly better than the status quo in America.