Weary of drug war, Mexico debates legalization

[Judi Lynn]

Sunday, Sep. 12, 2010
Weary of drug war, Mexico debates legalization
By TIM JOHNSON - McClatchy Newspapers


MEXICO CITY — A debate about legalizing marijuana and possibly other drugs - once a taboo suggestion - is percolating in Mexico, a nation exhausted by runaway violence and a deadly drug war.

The debate is only likely to grow more animated if Californians approve an initiative on Nov. 2 to legalize marijuana for recreational use in their state.

Mexicans are keeping a close eye on the vote, seeing it as a bellwether.

"If they vote 'yes' to approve the full legalization of marijuana, I think it will have a radical impact in Mexico," said Jorge Hernandez Tinajero, a political scientist at the National Autonomous University.

Discussion about legalization flew onto the agenda last month, the outcome of President Felipe Calderon's pressing need to win more public support for waging war against criminal organizations profiting hugely from drug trafficking.

More:
http://www.thestate.com/2010/09/12/1461461/weary-of-drug-war-mexico-debates.html

[roody]

1. I hope they do it.

[Judi Lynn]

2. They'd be saving lives. n/t

[bherrera]

3. They should do it.

Legalizing drugs is a sensible thing to do.

[Wilms]

4. kick n/t