Pubdate: Sun, 03 Aug 2014
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2014 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: Lamar Taylor
Page: 2D
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n622/a07.html

HOW LEGAL MARIJUANA IN COLORADO AFFECTS INDIAN YOUTH

Re: "Indian youth hurt by Colorado's marijuana experiment," July 27 
Perspective article.

In Troy A. Eid's piece about Colorado's legalized marijuana and its 
harmful impacts on Indian youth, he posed a compelling question: "The 
increasingly urgent question now is whether Coloradans intend to take 
any responsibility for this tragic state of affairs and, if so, how."

My wife and I worked on a reservation for more than three years. 
Alcoholism, drug abuse and physical and sexual abuse were very 
serious problems. Marijuana was probably available. But, according to 
Eid, tribal leaders are concerned about the spike in the use of 
marijuana on the reservations, which comes "still in its packaging 
from Denver."

Native Americans have the same dreams and ambitions for "life, 
liberty and the pursuit of happiness" as the rest of us. They are 
good people trapped in a seemingly hopeless dilemma and a reservation 
system that is a travesty. They do not need another burden added to 
their already tragic lives.

What is the answer to Eid's question?

Lamar Taylor, Del Norte
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom