Local Reaction to Marijuana Legalization Mixed

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION - (St. Augustine, Fla) - Amidst California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s statements proposing bureaucrats study whether the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes would be a beneficial way to raise tax revenue, residents of St. Augustine, Fla. have expressed mixed feelings to the idea. With the current recession causing significant budget deficits in many states, the proposition of legalizing marijuana has gained steam during recent months and surely will continue to be a topic of conversation.

When questioned whether legalization would be a good idea Schwarzenegger responded, “No, I think that it’s not time for that, but I think its time for a debate. I’m always for an open debate on it.” According to the Huffington Post, Schwarzenegger also noted that politicians should examine what effect legalization has had on other countries. “But just because of raising revenues, we have to be very careful not to make mistakes at the same time.”

Flagler College Professor Robert Berger, who operates in the business department and has a substantial background in law, echoed Gov. Schwarzenegger’s precautionary remarks regarding the societal impacts of marijuana legalization when stating, “It uses taxation as social engineering…taxes are solely to raise revenue.” Berger also expressed concern with the California State Board of Equalization’s estimate that a $50-an-ounce tax would create $1.3 billion in additional tax revenues annually. “I question whether the tax would generate the revenue that has been estimated,” noting that his studies in economics have shown there are many other variables that affecting tax collections and that, “It’s not that simple.”

Other Florida residents view the potential for legalization as a positive for society. Mental Health Counselor Donalyn Frank, 53, who practices substance abuse counseling in St. Augustine Beach, is in favor of legalization regardless of taxation purposes. “Personally I think it should be legalized, at least decriminalized,” said Frank. She also rationalized that her experience as a counselor for substance abuse has led her to believe marijuana is harmless and that, “Alcohol is the real gateway drug. I’ve seen so many people through counseling for DUI’s who have said the only way to stop drinking is by smoking marijuana.”

Frank’s views reflect a widely held belief that marijuana use is not only harmless, but enforcement of the drug can actually be detrimental to society. According to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, “The societal costs of (marijuana interdiction) cost U.S. taxpayers in excess of $12 billion annually.” With marijuana enforcement taking up valuable time and resources of law enforcement individuals, some feel the fight just isn’t worth it.

The Netherlands have been the classic example for marijuana legalization but have recently expressed dissatisfaction with their marijuana drug policies. In the Netherlands, marijuana is legal only in “coffee shops,” where customers can purchase up to five grams. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Dutch government is considering decreasing the quantity of marijuana available in coffee shops from five to three grams. The D.E.A. also stated that since marijuana legalization, “Heroin addiction levels in Holland have tripled and perhaps even quadrupled by some estimates.” With Schwarzenegger proposing that politicians look to other countries for answers to the legalization dilemma, such facts may enter the discussion.

A controversial aspect of marijuana legalization that proponents often fail to recognize is marijuana taxations potential role as an inverse tax. Berger expressed his regard for the fact when stating, “I’m concerned whether it would turn out to be another regressive tax.” Similar to cigarette taxes, which draw revenue mainly from lower income groups, marijuana taxation could become a regressive tax that has a larger burden on lower tax brackets.

Flagler College graduate Scott Buckingham, 22, expressed similar thoughts regarding marijuana legalization’s potential effects on lower income groups. Elaborating upon the regressive tax theory, Buckingham noted, “During a time such as the current recession, it may be beneficial for state governments but cause individuals to spend their money on something that is not important. The tax would probably end up hurting people financially.”

President Obama recently commented on the effects a marijuana tax would have on the current economic situation. According to Fox News, when questioned whether he thought legalization would improve the economy and help create jobs, Obama said, “The answer is, no, I don’t think that it is a good strategy to grow our economy.”

With so many variables involved in a situation that has yet to even take place, the mixed reaction received locally comes of no surprise. Other states will likely come into discussions similar to what has happened in California. Whether or not Florida is one of them remains to be seen.

Chicken Truck Crash Injures 25

At approximately six p.m. on Wednesday an Alabama Poultry, Inc. chicken truck carrying 300 chickens caused a major traffic accident when attempting to make an illegal left turn onto McFarland Boulevard. “It was the biggest pile-up I’ve seen,” said Sgt. John Jones when providing the accident details at a press conference later that day. Despite the absence of any casualties, Jones stated that 25 individuals were injured in the 11 car pile-up.

Among the 25 injured was Sarah Bernell, a retired school teacher who had been driving nearby with her nephew Mike Kenyon. Bernell was later taken to DCH Hospital for evaluation. According to DCH Hospital Medical Advisor Clarence DiMotta, chicken truck driver Jeff Johnson was admitted and suffered bruises and a possible broken ankle from the incident. The other 23 involved suffered only minor injuries.

Alabama Poultry, Inc. spokesperson Carlton Fitzsimmons noted that the company suffered a $700 loss on the accident, which would be covered by insurance, and would most likely compensate Johnson for his injuries. Sgt. Jones had noted that of the 300 chickens, 30 were dead and 40 are still at large. Fitzsimmons estimated the company’s loss per chicken at $10 and added that Alabama Poultry would like any of the 40 escaped chickens returned if found.

Story Pitch

LOCAL MUSIC - St. Augustine - The recent rise in St. Augustine's once dormant music scene has added both attraction and flavor to the oldest city. The emergence of the St. Augustine Amphitheater as well as the growing popularity of downtown festivals have helped draw performances by well know artists such as The Black Crowes, Kings of Leon, 3 Doors Down, The Beach Boys, Snoop Dog and more. This past weekends surprisingly revamped annual Crawfish Boil was a perfect example of the increasing presence of live music in St. Augustine. 

Britney Spears Bitten by Alligator

At approximately 5 a.m. this morning, Britney Spears, 27, was found lying on the ground in St. Augustine, Fla on the campus of Flagler College with what appeared to be bite marks on her right foot. Spears was spotted near a patch of bushes outside the entrance of the nearby male dormitory Lewis House by Flagler Security Guard Hector Gonzalez, who rushed to the scene upon hearing Spears scream, “Oh my god, oh my god, an alligator bit me.”

After inspecting Spears’ injuries and spotting the reptile escape into the bushes, Gonzalez quickly called 911 at 5:10 a.m. An ambulance arrived shortly after and treated Spears for minor bite wounds. She was released shortly after.

Police Chief Bubba O’Conner answered questions at a press conference that took place a few hours after the event. According to O’Conner, Spears was visiting a male friend and had arrived in her limo, which was parked out front of the Lewis House dormitory. The limo driver was present at the time of the incident but did not witness the event. There were no other known witnesses.  

Animal control officers were called to the scene and conducted a search for the alligator at around 6 a.m. after learning that Gonzalez had spotted the reptile; however, the crocodile was not found. After questioning, Gonzalez estimated the crocodile to be nearly nine feet in length. Police Chief O’Conner speculated that the alligator might have escaped from the nearby Alligator Farm, a local attraction a few miles away that houses captive alligators for public viewing.

It is not known if the encounter will affect her career; however, it is unlikely that she will have any long-term affects. 

Personal Writing Goals

With writing being a universal tool that is applicable in any field, I hope that personal advancements in writing will help to facilitate a future career in business for myself. As a business major, I have had inconsistent experience as a writer; however, one of the many reasons I chose to pursue an advertising minor was to further advance my skills in writing beyond what the standard business curriculum allows. I believe that some of my strengths in writing are dealing with initial organization and revision. I do, however, have a desire to improve my vocabulary and grammar. This opportunity to create work more geared towards communication rather than strictly business will help to round out my skills and I think will assist in working on some of the weaknesses I might have.