5_ChenS

November 14, 2010

Senator Dianne Feinstein 11111 Santa Monica Blvd # 915 Los Angeles, CA 90025-3343

Subject: Legalization, regulation, and taxation of marijuana use in California

Dear Senator Feinstein,

According to United States Government National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bureau of Mortality Statistics, tobacco and alcohol usage combined account for over 500,000 deaths a year in the United States alone yet these drugs are perfectly legal for adults. However, there has never been a single recorded death in history caused by the usage of marijuana yet it is still considered an “illegal substance”. Pretty unbelievable right? Yeah I would think so too. You might find it hard to believe but marijuana is not a dangerous drug and is actually safer compared to that of alcohol and tobacco usage. So I ask you, Senator Feinstein, “why not legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana use in California?”

If California is able tax and regulate marijuana use some major benefits include: reducing the racial bias in cannabis arrests, creating between 60,000 and 110,000 new jobs in California, generating between $1.2 billion and $1.4 billion in new direct tax revenue annually, reducing crime in California, reducing violence in California and Mexico, freeing up law enforcement resources to focus on violent crime and property crime, reducing funding to drug cartels, who currently get about 70% of their revenue from illegal cannabis sales, reducing police corruption and much more.

Rather than turning away from this problem, the government should instead face up to reality. The legalization of marijuana will enable the California government to regulate its use thereby protecting its many users from harmful abuse of the substance. I say legalize marijuana and life would be better for most people. But no matter what side you decide to take, you've got to admit that the arguments for and against marijuana usage are truly fascinating ones. Everybody has their own reasons to believe as they do; and it seems impossible for both sides to come to a consensus. I implore you Senator Feinstein, to change your mind opposing the legalization, regulation, and taxing of marijuana use in California. However, in the end it’s up to you as the individual to decide on how you really feel about it. Thank you for your time and please contact me if you wish to support this proposition.

Sincerely,

Steven Chen

Student id # __ 8026226 __

__ In my opinion you have to many facts without any reference on where you got them from. __

__ I would personalize the letter more it sounds to dull __

__ Odd use of words for a persuasive letter from a student stand point __

#2: In my opinion you have great facts about the topic and is very persuasive. But why would you want to legalize this drug it will cause lots of problems if it was legal. Other wise the letter needs a little life because it a little dull. But it was persuasive