Pubdate: Wed, 04 Apr 2007
Source: Tribune, The (San Luis Obispo, CA)
Copyright: 2007 The Tribune
Contact:  http://www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisobispo/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/391
Author: Jay Bonestell
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07.n421.a10.html

NO RESPECT FOR POT

Beyond the absurdity and injustice surrounding the recent raid on the
Central Coast Compassionate Caregivers medical marijuana dispensary in
Morro Bay, there is a deeper and darker dynamic at work revealing
society's hypocrisy on a number of levels.

The government's unrelenting war on pot is driven entirely by ideology
and politics, not a concern for public health. Otherwise, we'd see
federal agents busting any merchant selling really dangerous and
destructive substances such as tobacco and alcohol.

The fact is, marijuana remains a symbol of the 1960s counterculture
and hence, a target of the endless "culture wars" -- fueled by
elements thriving on polarization and fear. The mindset of those who
feel threatened by users of medical cannabis, while viewing the toxic
redneck drug meth as only "a problem," is the same mindset that
reviled Bill Clinton as a "cowardly draft dodger" for ducking military
service in his youth via two student deferments, allows Dick
"Chickenhawk" Cheney his image as a macho warrior despite avoidance of
his generation's war through five deferments.

The fascist mind of 40 years ago loathed long-haired potheads
preaching "peace and love" but accepts today's violence-intoxicated
youths with their shaved heads and thug posturing.

Marijuana, medical or recreational, will never be accepted because of
its historical connection with "peaceniks" and others perceived as
threatening to the dominant paradigm. It's as simple as that.

Jay Bonestell

Los Osos
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin