Pubdate: Wed, 08 Feb 2012
Source: Missoulian (MT)
Copyright: 2012 Missoulian
Contact:  http://www.missoulian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/720
Author: Dee Wideman

HONEST ANSWER IS THAT IT'S WRONG

To The Editor:

In regard to the petition to legalize marijuana. Well, here we go 
down the wrong road again. We legalized alcohol finally, and what 
happened? It was supposed to be in moderation and for social 
purposes. It really had no medicinal purpose that I know of other 
than a form of sterilization of a wound possibly. But, our government 
saw it was a way that it might as well collect tax on rather than let 
it continue to run out of control as something it couldn't stop.

The amount of alcohol-related deaths to date is staggering. It climbs 
continuously every time somebody has too much or decides to get mad 
at their loved ones under its influence. I would venture to say 90 
percent or close to it would be a close number for calls that law 
enforcement answer where alcohol is related.

But, we're not talking about alcohol we're talking about marijuana, a 
controlled substance that slows down the thinking process and motor 
nerves in one's body. The longterm effects are not known. Neither was 
alcohol at the time it was introduced. Marijuana, on the other hand, 
does have a medicinal use. Although, still new in this area I can see 
a possible use for it there.

But, as a controlled substance, it should be regulated through a 
doctor's prescription and purchased through a pharmacy. Marijuana can 
be cut with other drugs to make it more potent and dangerous. Do you 
really think that if you let people openly grow this that they won't 
find a way to abuse it?

The next thing to think about is who really wants it legalized? What 
is the main purpose in mind? I can't imagine honest, hard-working 
citizens in the United States actually wanting to legalize something 
that could harm them or their children. If this is the case and it's 
a minority that is introducing it, then we should not let this happen 
because it may offend some smaller group or hurt their feelings. You 
know I am impressed with one aspect of this. At least the minority 
introducing this is actually getting the consideration of a vote. I 
sure don't recall a vote when it came to taking God out of the 
schools and our American heritage doctrines.

This would be the answer to our penal systems' prayers. Overcrowded, 
just turn them loose. In the future at this rate what crime is great 
enough to even pass judgment on? Just lower our standards and keep 
lowering them till there's nothing left. If one would just think for 
a few moments and take a close look at the United States to date, I 
think you would see that the road we're heading down is much like 
that. Our forefathers would be turning over in their graves if they 
could see us now. What started out in good faith for the people by 
the people has somehow been altered, ratified, changed, or just plain 
screwed up.

If Mom and Dad can have a 10 by 10 plot, in their own backyard what 
about the children?

What kind of a message does it send and how will they react when Mom 
and Dad are gone and they've watched and been taught by Mom and Dad 
how to use it? What about the children's day care workers? If they 
smoke it and their senses are dulled by its use and they drop little 
Johnny on his head, whose fault is it now? If it's legalized, there 
is no crime and no recourse for problems it causes. You may be able 
to sue for a wrongful death or injuries incurred, but other than that 
there's been no crime.

The same situation will apply if the driving under the influence of 
it causes an accident. The police can't intervene on a situation that 
isn't a crime. Please think about these things, it is a big deal and 
it opens a can of worms that we will pay for the rest of our lives. 
Any local, state, federal, or other representative who doesn't think 
this is a big deal needs to re-evaluate why he is in the position 
he's in. It is a big deal.

Anything that can be used can be abused. Pain sufferers should have 
what it takes to relieve pain without question. Growing it in your 
backyard, come on, people, ridiculous. We have an obligation to our 
children if nothing else. If this doesn't send all the wrong messages 
then I don't know of anything that would.

In closing I'd like to say this . . . we all have a conscience, I 
think if you ask yourself if this is right or wrong and give yourself 
an honest answer, I think surely you would have to see this is 
clearly wrong. Religiously speaking, I would surely think that most 
Christian majority U.S. religions would not endorse this. As a 
Christian myself, I know that my God does not endorse it.

Thanks for listening and this is not meant as a slam, but rather as a 
plea to please do the right thing if the need arises.

Dee Wideman

St. Clair
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom