Pubdate: Sat, 11 Jun 2005
Source: Wisconsin State Journal (WI)
Section: Opinion
Page: A8
Copyright: 2005 Madison Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.wisconsinstatejournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/506
Author: Rhett C. Buckley

DON'T PROHIBIT; EDUCATE

Talk about medical marijuana is a convenient distraction from the real 
issue: Why is marijuana illegal in the first place? Folks like Karen P. 
Tandy would have you believe that it is partly a health issue. If that's 
so, why not cigarettes, which are far more addicting physically and harmful 
to the lungs? Perhaps it's the physical effects of the substance -- 
sedation, increased appetite, laughter.

Regarding the notion that it will send the wrong message to our kids, 
here's a heads up. The fact is that a kid who wants to get high will get 
high, just as a kid who wants to get drunk will get drunk. It's up to us to 
teach moderation, not to prohibit.

- -- Rhett C. Buckley, Madison
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