Prostitution, Marijuana Seen as Possible Money Fixes

Legalizing prostitution and marijuana could be the ticket out to decreasing the state's present $41 billion deficit, according to some financial pros.

According to David Lazarus, a financial writer for the Los Angeles Times, both pot smoking and prostitution are very popular "sins" that, if legalized and taxed, could produce millions or even billions in extra revenue for California.

A number of Lazarus's financial industry colleagues have backed the proposals, though there is more positive energy for the marijuana side than the prostitution side.

In order for these ideas to make progress, they both would have to go before the voters as ballot measures.

Is L.A. Times Covering for Obama?

The Los Angeles Times continues to say no to the release of a reported video that depicts Barack Obama celebrating with a former PLO operative at a dinner in Chicago five years ago.

Reports say the tape shows Obama toasting Rashid Khalidi, a well-known PLO backer who has made anti-Israeli remarks over the years. The newspaper did a story about this very matter back in April, but says it will not release video of the gathering that Obama attended or comment on who else attended. Reports say that radical Bill Ayers was also in attendance.

Obama, who has denied any close associations with Ayers, has also denied any formal relationship with Khalidi.

Reports say that Obama noted during the 2003 event his talks with Khalidi and his wife, stating the discussions had been "consistent reminders to me of my own blind spots and my own biases... It's for that reason that I'm hoping that, for many years to come, we continue that conversation -- a conversation that is necessary not just around Mona and Rashid's dinner table," but around "this entire world."

While the economy is surely number one on the minds of Americans, it is legitimate to question some of Obama's associations over the years.

The refusal of The Los Angeles Times to release the video only adds more fuel to the fire. If there is nothing to hide, simply put the tape out there for everyone to see. Then again, maybe the hierachy at the newspaper has a vested interest in just who wins next Tuesday?

Editor's note: Readers interested in seeing the tape should call the newspaper at: 1 800 528 4637 ext. 73464.