Pubdate: Tue, 24 Sep 2002
Source: Chicago Tribune (IL)
Copyright: 2002 Chicago Tribune Company
Contact:  http://www.chicagotribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/82
Author: Bruce Handler

I INHALED

Kildeer -- I laughed out loud when I read "Blagojevich big day dimmed;
Tried marijuana as youth, he says" (Metro, Sept. 17). Right after Rod
Blagojevich admitted using it, he tried to downplay using it by
claiming he is not sure if he inhaled.

This whole inhaling thing seems to be a very big issue with
politicians. Former President Bill Clinton also tried pot, but he was
sure he didn't inhale (yeah, right). Are these politicians claiming
that marijuana use is OK as long as you don't inhale? Do politicians
think we are idiots and will somehow be more or less concerned about
their pot experimentation based on whether or not they inhaled?

What they need to understand is that they lose credibility the very
second they try to qualify their answer about marijuana use.

When you try something significant, like using pot for the first time,
you are not likely to forget it. So stating that you don't recall
whether or not you inhaled is not believable.

Second, when you try to downplay your trying pot by stating that you
don't like it, don't want to be near it, don't like the smell of it,
were of college age at the time and by implying that others at the
news conference have used it--you start to seem downright foolish.

To all politicians, here is some advice for the future to help you
save your dignity and credibility should you be asked if you have ever
tried marijuana: Just say yes--period. Please don't justify your use,
because the second you do, you lose.

Now, I have never tried pot, although that is not to say I never
wanted to. And, when I was in high school, some of my teammates on the
school golf team did smoke pot while driving to a match, and the car
would fill with smoke. So, although I never tried marijuana, I
definitely inhaled the smoke. And yes, I do specifically recall that I
made no effort to open my window during these joint rides.

Bruce Handler
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