TW: Clearly not Micheal Phelps intention, but his situation has spurred a plethora of MSM commentary in support of pot legalization. I agree with Ms. Parker who continues her quest for banishment from the Republican party (at least the non-libertarian wing). Parker focuses on the hypocrisy of our treatment of pot. I would add we waste billions chasing pot users and forgo billions in taxes due to our narrow-minded policies. Regulate the hell out of pot but not criminalize it.
From Kathleen Parker at WaPo:
"...Our marijuana laws have been ludicrous for as long as we've been alive. Almost half of us (42 percent) have tried marijuana at least once.
...The U.S., in fact, boasts the highest percentage of pot smokers among 17 nations surveyed, including The Netherlands, where cannabis clouds waft from coffeehouse windows. Among them are no small number of high-ranking...leaders..., who surely cringe every time a young person gets fingered for a "crime" they themselves have committed.
...Understandably, parents worry that their kids will emulate their idol, but the problem isn't Phelps, who is, in fact, an adult. The problem is our laws -- and our lies.
Obviously, children shouldn't smoke anything, legal or otherwise. Nor should they drink alcoholic beverages, even though their parents might.
There are good reasons for substance restrictions for children that need not apply to adults.
That's the real drug message that should inform our children and our laws, rather than the nonsense that currently passes for drug information.
Phelps may be an involuntary hero to this charge, but his name and face bring necessary attention to a farce in which nearly half the nation are actors. It's time to recognize that all drugs are not equal -- and change the laws accordingly."
http://tinyurl.com/ck893g
No comments:
Post a Comment