Pubdate: Wed, 19 Nov 2008
Source: Patriot Ledger, The  (Quincy, MA)
Copyright: 2008 GateHouse Media, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.patriotledger.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1619
Author: Joe Cody

SMOKING POT IS STUPID, BUT IT DOESN'T WARRANT A PRISON TERM

I have had 48 years in the human service field, and I voted yes on
Question 2.

In and of itself, use, no matter how often, does not justify
incarceration.

The use of marijuana is stupid and harmful.

A lot of human behavior is.

Incarceration is overkill for marijuana use.

Norfolk District Attorney William Keating is correct - the first-time
user does get dismissed.

Additional use often has further consequences.

Violation of probation for the use does result in incarceration quite
often.

Marijuana is a gateway drug, as is alcohol, and both harm the person
and families seriously.

Stupid behavior is learned by example.

The adult with the hangover is just as stupid as the kid with a
joint.

"Just say no" should be followed by "or else."

The "or else" needs to be better thought-out.

We have better reason to use our jails.

Parents, and those who stand in place of the parent, should address
all stupid behavior as stupid, not criminal.

Fines are not enough.

The marijuana policy people are as dumb as the rest of
us.

They, too, are wringing their hands, instead of using their
heads.

Joe Cody

Braintree
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin