Publisher's note: There are beloved American travel writers, then there are beloved American travel writers. Rick Steves is in the latter group. Steves, who has always been pro-MJ, is taking an even bigger profile this year "on the Oregon Trail" as Oregonians prepare to submit their ballots.
One of America's best-known travel writers and guides is lending his support to marijuana legalization as voters in Oregon, Alaska and Washington, D.C., consider dropping penalties for using pot.
Travel guru Rick Steves has been a longtime supporter of marijuana legalization, but has recently stepped more forcefully into public view. He was an early backer of Washington state's legalization effort, and is now making his case with a series of highly publicized speaking events and fundraisers across Oregon.
"I figured, this is good citizenship. I'm not pro-marijuana, but I'm anti-prohibition," Steves said from the Oregon governor's mansion while visiting and talking pot taxes with Gov. John Kitzhaber. "Nobody needs to vote for me, nobody can fire me."
Adults in Alaska and Oregon could buy legal marijuana – and pay taxes on it – under plans being considered in the fall election, and voters in Washington, D.C., are considering a similar measure repealing all criminal and civil possession penalties.
