Pubdate: Thu, 25 Oct 2012
Source: Edmonds Beacon (WA)
Copyright: 2012 Edmonds Beacon
Contact:  http://edmondsbeacon.villagesoup.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5410
Author: John Pierre

DON'T LEGALIZE DRUGS

I am concerned about the growing push by some to legalize the use of 
marijuana in Washington.

I imagine there is some merit to the arguments in favor of such 
legalization but it would appear that, unlike what we hear from the 
proponents, the apparent grave dangers outweigh them by far.

The difference that seems apparent to me is that a person can have a 
drink and not be rendered under the influence.

Whereas some people who have smoked (or shared for that matter) one 
"joint" will begin the well known, almost uncontrollable laughter 
over anything and everything whether real or imagined.

In other words, some marijuana smokers become "stoned" on one 
marijuana cigarette. It doesn't always take two or three... just one.

These folks should (if you'll pardon the pun) "get off the pot."

I would add that most of the experts agree that marijuana has an 
irreversible and detrimental effect on brain functions.

One of the problems with legalizing marijuana, or any other drug, is 
the mental attitude exhibited by users.

That try-it-and-see-if-you-like-it attitude can, in fact, make 
marijuana a "gateway" drug which may lead to cocaine and others. If a 
person (usually a young person) will try marijuana, they'll try other drugs.

How about it, proponents, tell me I'm wrong. It is definitely an 
attitude of acceptance thing.

It's kinda like "if it's fun... do it."

Many of the supporters of I-502 will quickly inform us stodgy old 
timers that liquor is also a drug and if liquor is legal there is no 
reason why marijuana shouldn't be as well.

I don't know that I agree that liquor is a drug but I will concede 
that possibility.

My wife and I occasionally frequent restaurants, such as Claire's, 
and we've yet to see anyone become stoned on the single drink they 
enjoy with their lunch.

The old timers get together in the lounge to swap stories, enjoy 
their special martini and have a relaxed lunch. They are there for 
companionship -- not inebriation.

I would ask... if smoking is banned, pretty much throughout 
Washington, by the gaggle of do-gooders, because of the hazards to 
the health of smokers and the presumed hazard to those in near 
proximity, why would smoking marijuana be on the agenda to be 
considered as healthy and permissible?

And why is it that these do-gooders can't stand the smell of a 
cigarette (some even claim to become ill) two blocks away but are 
quite willing to enjoy the overpowering smell of the smoking of marijuana?

Is "getting high" that important to proponents of legalizing various drugs?

Personally, I'd rather "get high" on walking a mile or so along our 
beautiful Edmonds waterfront.

Many of us are firmly against legalizing any drug and, through words 
if nothing else, will fight legalizing these addictive drugs tooth and toenail.

Those of us who oppose this proposed legalization of drugs will vote 
NO on I-502.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom