Pubdate: Thu, 08 Dec 2005
Source: Arbiter, The (Boise State, ID Edu)
Copyright: 2005 The Arbiter
Contact:  http://www.arbiteronline.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3516
Author: Michael James Green
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1915/a03.html

GO AWAY, YOU DISGUST ME

After reading the article in the latest Arbiter entitled, "Shoot this
idea up" I was rather filled with disgust. I'll cut to the chase
because mincing words is immature. First off, comparing Cannabis to
Methamphetamines. I don't know how Mr. Stoker can draw a line between
the two besides the fact they are both illegal.

Also drawing correlations between legalizing cannabis and legalizing
things such as "rape, murder and grand theft" is completely
preposterous. He claims that drugs are highly addictive, which they
are. But cannabis is less addictive than cigarettes or alcohol. And
strangely there is not a single recorded fatality associated with
cannabis. Can the same claim be made for cigarettes or alcohol?

Then he moves onto the notion that cannabis is a gateway drug, which I
frankly have to scoff at. Cigarettes are a gateway drug and almost
every last stoner I know (and I know a lot) started smoking cigarettes
before they ever considered cannabis. Maybe we should just ban cigarettes?

What also gets me is that Mr. Stoker assumes that it is only "The
Hippies" who are for legalization of Cannabis. Not only is this an
insult to all the supporters for the legalization of cannabis but also
shows how ignorant Mr. Stoker is. Does he offer any sturdy facts? No,
only opinions that reflect our society's demonized view on drugs. That
being said, I must give Mr. Stoker some credit. He makes a very good
point in saying that irresponsible drug users are a "threat" to those
around them. But so are irresponsible drinkers, irresponsible drivers,
irresponsible hunters and any other person who revels in
irresponsibility. In conclusion, I suggest Mr. Stoker open up his eyes
and consider the other side, or take his dimwitted opinions elsewhere.

Michael James Green

Boise
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake