Pubdate: Wed, 20 Apr 2005
Source: Braintree Forum (MA)
Copyright: 2005 Braintree Forum
Contact:  http://www2.townonline.com/braintree/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3601
Author: Kirk Muse
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

LURE OF FORBIDDEN FRUIT IS POWERFUL

I'm writing about Nicki Shaban's letter: "Bring D. A. R. E. back" (4-14-05).

Common sense tells us that the D. A. R. Eprogram should deter our youth 
from using illegal drugs.But it doesn't.D. A. R. Egraduates are more likely 
to use illegal drugs--not less.

Common sense tells us that the earth is the center of the universe and our 
solar system.But it's not.

Common sense tells us that prohibiting a product should substantially 
reduce the use of the product that's prohibitedActually, prohibition tends 
to substantially increase the desire for the product that's prohibited.

Before marijuana was criminalized in the U. S. via the Marijuana Tax Act of 
1937, the vast majority of Americans had never heard of marijuana.Now 
everybody in the U. S. knows what marijuana is and the U. S. government 
estimates that at least 76 million Americans have used it.About half of all 
high school students will use marijuana before they graduate.

People want what they are told they cannot have-especially children.The 
lure of the "forbidden fruit" is very powerful.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, AZ
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MAP posted-by: Beth