Pubdate: Fri, 28 Sep 2007 Source: Joplin Globe, The (MO) Copyright: 2007 The Joplin Globe Contact: http://www.joplinglobe.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/859 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1101/a01.html Author: Don Ray DON'T SIGN POT PETITION On the front page of The Joplin Globe (Sept. 22, 2007), I was appalled at the headline, "Taking the Initiative," about a group of liberal-minded people who wish to decriminalize marijuana in Joplin. They want to introduce into our society an opportunity for the citizens of Joplin to enact a more "sensible" marijuana policy. In other words, to legalize its use. Listen folks, marijuana is a drug. Perhaps it's not considered as strong as others such as crack or cocaine, but that doesn't negate the fact it is a drug and could become habit-forming for our children and/or grandchildren, leading to them wanting something (stronger) that would give them a better high. We as a nation have too often in the past stood by and done nothing, as these "liberal-minded" people took prayer out of our schools, kept the 10 Commandments from being allowed in public places, and allowed Christmas at school to become a "Winter Festival" break. Folks, when is everyone going to stand together and bring some decency and Godly principles back into our society? Even if you're not a professing Christian, I'm sure you do not want to see your children or grandchildren using marijuana or any other similar drug. We need to come together and make sure this doesn't get on the ballot. You can do this by not signing the proposed petition. If they can't get 15 percent of the registered voters of Joplin to sign (about 5,000 people) the proposal will not be allowed on the 2008 Ballot. Let's defeat it before it gets off the ground. Don Ray Joplin - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake