Pubdate: Mon, 19 Aug 2002
Source: Times-News, The (ID)
Copyright: 2002 Magic Valley Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.magicvalley.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/595
Author: Tris Woodhead

LEGAL SYSTEM ISN'T FAIR OR STRAIGHT-FORWARD

Hypocrisy is a very destructive thing. You cannot possibly argue that our 
legal system is straightforward and fair. Alcohol can be extremely harmful, 
but it's legal -- and extremely profitable. Once upon a time, it was 
illegal. Tobacco use causes more than 100,000 deaths a year, but it's legal 
- -- and extremely profitable.

Marijuana probably doesn't cause nearly as much heartache for people as 
alcohol or tobacco, but its illegal -- and extremely profitable. And no one 
benefits from taxes on its sale.

In the 1960s, American heroes broke laws that discriminated against 
citizens of color. One court's verdict gets thrown out by a higher court, 
and a still-higher court comes up with its own decision.

Laws change. They're not written in stone. And, even if they were, they 
wouldn't be kept. Witness the luck anyone's had with the Ten Commandments.

Also, I object to being referred to as an "ex-teacher." Ted Williams was 
not an "ex"-baseball player. Bob Hope is not an "ex"-comedian. Obituaries 
never say "ex:-doctor. Don't belittle our profession.

Tris Woodhead

Twin Falls
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MAP posted-by: Alex