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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Matter of Opinion

Pass the rose bud bong, dude


(S-R photo by Jesse Tinsley)

From our editorial today


The Spokane City Council should have shown more thoughtfulness Monday when it adopted a feel-good ordinance that even the attorney who drafted it said won't keep people from using drugs. What began as a proposal to ban the sale of novelty items, including glass tubes convenient for smoking dope, quickly grew into a long list of mundane items that become contraband when marketed under a complex set of conditions that qualify them as drug paraphernalia.
The discussion that preceded the 6-1 council vote was couched largely in terms of sending a message and taking a stand. No one on the council nor among the citizens who commented offered evidence that this approach will reduce drug abuse.

Feel good legislation or drug deterrent? Blog lines are open.



A Matter of Opinion is really a matter of three opinions – those held by the people responsible for the opinion pages of The Spokesman-Review. Check in regularly to find out what they’re up to, what they think and where they differ and to joust with them if you want.