Pubdate: Thu, 23 Jan 2003
Source: Oklahoma Daily, The (OK Edu)
Copyright: 2003 Oklahoma Daily
Contact:  http://www.oudaily.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1371
Author: Justin Zaun

  DAMAGING TO HEALTH AND SOCIETY

Marijuana Could Revive Economy Another Column For Marijuana

The debate over the legalization -- or at least decriminalization -- of 
marijuana cannot be discussed seriously until we eliminate prejudices and 
recognize hypocrisies. That means not attacking the argument from the 
perspective of the pastor's wife and, conversely, not weighing in on the 
debate as a hemp-twining, free-loving modern-day hippie.

OK, so here's the plan: All NRA members and fundamentalist Christians must 
leave the room. Likewise, all persons who are way too into the state of 
Colorado (you know the type) and those who own at least one Che Guevara 
T-shirt must also leave.

Note: I use the term "hippie" only to provide a clear dividing line in this 
debate. As you may have noticed, most hippies these days have cell phones 
and checking accounts, which I'm fairly certain is contrary to the 
prevailing spirit behind our nonconformist '60s friends. No matter.

I believe marijuana should be legalized. I won't show up at a legalization 
rally with witty lapel stickers and creatively-sketched picket signs, but I 
believe society would benefit immensely if it were made legal. Because of 
limited newsprint, I'll purposefully exclude the vast studies and 
statistics regarding marijuana's medicinal value and outline three topical 
points:

1) Legalizing marijuana could rescue the lost economy that everyone seems 
so worried about. Although, I find it suspiciously interesting that my days 
are remarkably similar regardless of Wall Street's peaks and valleys. I'll 
save that for another day.

2) By classifying marijuana as an illicit substance, the government is 
interfering with my personal freedom to make a free choice in a free 
society. Paternalistic Aunt Sam has no business making decisions for me.

3) The inconsistency and hypocrisy in drug laws sends mixed messages to the 
populace. Arbitrarily classifying marijuana as illegal, but not alcohol and 
tobacco, is contradictory.

Now to address those points. Point No. 1: The dreaded national debt would 
be erased on Friday if marijuana was legalized on Thursday. Tax it, 
restrict its sale to adults and punish its misuse -- just like alcohol. Use 
the profits to alleviate homelessness, improve education or just keep 
building billion-dollar missiles. The choice is ours.

Point No. 2: Labeling marijuana illegal inhibits personal freedom. And 
imprisoning users is unthinkable and maddening. It's paranoid and unfair to 
jail marijuana users -- unless they're misusing it. Allow me one statistic: 
The United States already leads the planet in incarceration rates and, 
according to the FBI's 2000 figures, 47 percent of drug arrests made were 
for marijuana offenses. Seems excessive.

Point No. 3: We've all heard this comparison drawn many times, but it 
recurs because it's true: How can a society tolerate the legalization of 
alcohol and tobacco but not marijuana? How can a government justify 
profiting, through tax revenue, from alcohol and tobacco, but not 
marijuana? Here's where the mixed signals arrive. If my government keeps 
marijuana illegal because it claims to care about my health, why will it 
offer me my fill of alcohol and tobacco?

Finally, let's reflect briefly on what marijuana has selflessly given to us 
already versus that of alcohol. Marijuana: Beatles, Pink Floyd and the 
hacky sack. Alcohol: Enrique Iglesias Christmas album, Fred Durst and the 
"front tuck" fashion choice. Yes, I blame alcohol for that. Guys, 
seriously, stop it. Un-tuck the front of your shirt. Right now.

Regardless of the pros and cons of marijuana's legalization, in a free 
society, it should be impermissible for any governing entity to dictate 
what its society ingests or consumes so far as they do not harm another 
member of that society.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom