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Legalize Pot In California. Or, Don't

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The debate of California's Proposition 19 on the November ballot is heating up. Prop 19 would legalize marijuana here in the Golden State. It's heating up, because now a group of retired and former cops says it's a good idea.

From their perspective, keeping Mary Jane (Does anybody besides Kent, and possible the ghost of  Sgt. Joe Friday, even use the term "Mary Jane" anymore? -Ed.) illegal means police agencies have to spend more time busting harmless users, instead of going after hardened criminals.

Under Prop 19, users of Whacky Tobacky (?!- Ed.) could own up to an ounce. And local governments could pocket some tax $$ from its sale.

If members of law enforcement think that's OK, then they're adding credibility to their case. --More so, than a couple of stoners holding a noon news conference that starts at 1:30 or 2:00, saying how cool it'd be to have pot in vending machines, alongside Oreos.

On the other hand, I can't help but notice both L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca, and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck oppose Prop 19. And despite the work burdens on their departments, they seem to be willing to devote resources against pot legalization.

It'll be interesting to see what the voters say. Interesting, but in no way final. Election observers point out there's a number of ballot initiatives in this state that go from the starting line, straight to the courthouse, where they're tied up in litigation, or outright overturned.

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