To the Editor:

I am a progressive Democrat and I'm voting yes on Measure B. Why? I've seen the negative effects of commercial marijuana in my family, in my neighborhood and in this county. One issue that most concerns me is the future of our children. It seems to me we are raising them in a drug culture of easy money -- where regular education and career ambitions are just not worth the effort. Where skirting the law and a hardened attitude are the norm. I know I am watching this happen within my extended family for a second generation with a third generation coming up. The effect of the commercial marijuana industry on these family members has been crippling. At this point none of them are equipped to handle normal jobs or normal life.

There are now 80-plus local physicians signed up in support of Yes on B. When I saw this my curiosity led me to wonder: would there be a similar list of professionals working with children (i.e. teachers, law enforcement, psychologists) who'd be willing to state they see no negative impact from this drug culture on our youth? If we logically extend it out, by engaging in the commercial selling of marijuana how much of our children's futures have we also been selling away? And how are we impacting the lives and futures of children in other communities?

Mary Gustafson
Ukiah