That is not only a tragedy but a potential voting block which could swing any ballot measure. Another large percentage of eligible voters who don't vote are young white men. It is time for us to register our young men, black and white, not for the draft, but to vote. It is time for the adult community to reach out to them in general, and help them find their right place in society as not only productive human beings, but also as educated and sensitive members of our families and communities. The criminalization of marijuana not only puts a great number of our youth at tremendous risk legally, but it creates a political environment where they cannot feel safe being active and outspoken on any controversial issue.
Many people are afraid to even sign a petition.
Marijuana users face several serious civil rights issues, including mandatory sentences and property forfeiture. These are compounded by potential civil rights abuses of prop 187 and by the escalation of three strikes, and death penalty legislation. The environmental and economic issues which confront people today are especially disturbing because capitalism teaches us that economic health and environmental safety are diametrically opposed to each other. The working class is taught that it must oppose environmental causes. I think it is an error to equate capitalism with economic heath, but her point is well taken, that legalization of marijuana for industrial use could offer what no other industry has to California, a crop and expansive industry with is healing to the environment while stimulating jobs and creating a new manufacturing base.