Pubdate: Tue, 09 Apr 2002
Source: Argus Leader (SD)
Copyright: 2002 Argus Leader
Contact:  http://www.argusleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/842
Author: Jason M. Lind
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hemp.htm (Hemp)

GOVERNMENT GAVE FARMERS HEMP SEEDS

There is a petition circulating to re-legalize the cultivation of 
industrial hemp in South Dakota. I chose the word "re-legalize" 
because it was once legal and encouraged to grow hemp in South 
Dakota. It was made illegal before World War II because of political 
and economic reasons. During World War II, when ropes and military 
fabrics were scarce, the government gave farmers hemp seeds.

Once World War II ended, the government outgrew its need for hemp. 
They outlawed it again.

Now, more than ever, we need industrial hemp. We cut down entire 
forests for paper, fill our landfills with unbiodegradable plastics, 
and burn unrenewable fuels. All of these products can be made from 
hemp. Opponents say it will send a bad message to kids about drugs. 
Industrial hemp is not a drug. Are we ready to let our kids grow up 
in a world without trees or clean air because we cannot differentiate 
between an industrial crop and what our brain looks like in a frying 
pan with a couple of eggs and some bacon?

We owe it to Mother Earth, to our kids and to our future to 
re-legalize industrial hemp. Sign the petition.
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MAP posted-by: Josh