To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is being written in regard to Ballot Measure 2, and the specific reasons I plan to vote yes on this ballot. Before listing those reasons, I’d like to point out the fact that it is very hard for professional people to testify at a hearing scheduled in the middle of the work day.

There is a misconception about marijuana. I know this to be true, because once upon a time I shared that misconception. As a Resident Assistant and a Resident Director at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, I helped police officers in drug arrests at the university. While doing this, I felt quite self-assured that I was doing the right thing. It is only with the hindsight that I have now that I realize the damage that I was doing to the lives of young people.

Marijuana is already in a semi-legal state in Alaska. Due to our state’s constitution, everyone in Alaska is guaranteed the right to privacy. This has been translated, by the courts, to mean that I, in the privacy of my home, can partake in the use of marijuana. Ballot 2 begins to clarify the murky waters that are marijuana laws in Alaska.

The main debate seems to be the message that is sent to the children of Alaska. Do we legislate alcohol, tobacco, or guns on the message that is delivered to children? No. However, we did use this as an excuse to keep gay people from marriage. Once upon a time we used children, and their precious view of the world, to segregate schools. History has shown us that this way of thinking was asenine. History will show the same with drug laws. 

You will undoubtedly hear from Dean Guanelli (sp?) today. Everything I have read and heard from Dean is an attempt to justify 30 years of spending tax dollars to pay him, and other people like him, to fight a war that should have never been started. Dean will most likely have his friend from Colorado call in. This same man spoke at KTOO and had zero valid reasons to stop legalization. He argued we should decriminalize. He also argued that alcohol should be taxed at a far higher rate. Will you be raising taxes on alcohol also? I doubt it. So, the message is, alcohol is more dangerous than marijuana, but alcohol is okay?

There are those that argue there is no medicinal value in marijuana. Why was marijuana used in 30% of medication prior to the 1900’s then? Why does marijuana stop me from having seizures if there is no medicinal value?

You see, the reasons to not legalize are all very empty. The final reason that will be proposed to you is that vast corporations are planning on moving into Alaska to grow weed. Are we against corporations in Alaska? Are we against corporations in America? Last I checked, corporations are sucking the resources out of Alaska all over the state. If you’re truly concerned about corporations taking over Alaska, might I suggest you converse with Exxon and BP. They are both corporations which are prevalent in Alaska. Might I suggest a fight to overturn Citizens United, which is certainly friendly to corporations. 

I’m tired of the excuses. I’m tired of listening to the people governing my state claim freedom and free-enterprise while simultaneously attempting to keep a burgeoning industry from beginning in my state. You can’t claim to love freedom, then restrict access. You can’t claim to love our state constitution, then mess with the privacy of the citizens under the guise of protecting children.

I’ll leave you with a final thought: What seems to sound more like a state that respects privacy: 1) Allowing people to grow their medication and recreational intoxicants; 2) Being in the business of collecting human urine to decide who should be allowed to work or play high school sports. 

If you think collecting urine has anything to do with privacy, I think you’re in the wrong business.

Sincerely,

Adam Berkey
7099 Sunny Pt. Way
Juneau, AK 99801


Alaska Resident
Husband/Son/Brother
5th Grade Teacher