[gogeo]

You can’t build a republic with potheads as your citizenry. Kids who start down this road, if they don’t snap out of it, are as you say, lost souls. They lose their spark; they never quite get off dead-center. This is what I see all around me.

Anyone who thinks it's no big deal should spend some time cruising the highlights of inner city Seattle.

[Mariner]

“Anyone who thinks it’s no big deal should spend some time cruising the highlights of inner city Seattle. “

I have done so, several times both before and after legalization.

I saw no difference.

BTW, Seattle is a very, very rich and productive city. And highly educated.