Pubdate: Sun, 18 Jan 2015
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352
Author: R. Armstrong

LEGALIZATION IS NOT THE ANSWER

Regarding Get yourself informed and Logic challenged, I am not going
to try to lower myself to the same kind of sarcasm I found in those
above mentioned letters, albeit a challenge after reading them.

When people have opposing views, it does not indicate a lack of
education, it simply indicates a difference of opinion and that is the
joy of living in a country such as this. If we could stick to
presenting our opinions without attacking the intelligence of those
who don't agree with you, it would make it much easier to consider
what is presented without taking offence. If someone attacks my
intelligence or sincerity, I tend not to want to listen to what they
have to say.

That being said, I can offer my opinion about legalizing anything that
is mind-altering for recreational use because of my experiences in
life and because of my belief system that has grown out of trials,
searching, and just plain living this life. That was and is an education.

I noticed that Ms. Brown offered many good uses for cannabis as being
a renewable resource for paper and clothing that had nothing to do
with getting high and uses for helping those suffering from diseases
who need help with pain or depression.

Those uses are defendable and should be considered
thoughtfully.

However, I don't understand the reference to legalizing cannabis
probably being the best way to regulate access after referring to
young people binge drinking.

Alcohol is legalized and that apparently has not regulated access
enough to stop the binge drinking.

I noticed Mr. Levey confused someone thinking that cigarette smoking
and smoking pot to get high, with hating liberal thinking.

I got confused by that argument. I think I have heard arguments both
for and against legalizing cannabis by more then one party and/or
other types of thinkers. I don't think you have to be a liberal to be
considered educated and informed.

If that was the case, then that would hardly be a democracy (as
referred to in the letter he cited). That would be called something
else all together.

I have a problem with legalizing anything that is mind-altering for
recreational use. I don't understand why we need to get high on
anything other then this precious life we have been given if you
aren't suffering from a disease that is incurable, etc.

I know this world is messed up in many ways, but how does binge
drinking, smoking up, shooting up, snorting up or any of those things
make anything better?

I think there is plenty of evidence of the harm drugs and alcohol does
to society. Take a trip to the inner city and visit the addicts or
look at all of the children put into foster care because of neglect
caused by that need for artificial highs, to cite just a couple of
problems and there are plenty more.

I know I just opened myself up to the argument that pot, marijuana or
cannabis is not like alcohol or that it is not addicting, that people
who use pot, or whatever you want to call it, are not violent, etc.

I have heard all of those arguments many times over. I still do not
understand why you can't live your life without those aides and
spending all that money for artificial "highs".

I have been down these roads and have had experiences. I have been
through extreme trials and horrible sadness. I know suffering both
mentally and physically so I am not speaking out of ignorance in this
way.

I understand wanting to find something to ease the pain and wanting an
escape or a help. There is nothing natural about anything you have to
take, ingest, smoke, etc.

What is natural is learning to sort things out, asking for help,
lending a temporary (or in a few cases permanent) helping hand to
someone who needs a leg up, being considerate and compassionate,
hugging, going hiking in the mountains, swimming, walking, drinking in
all the beauty that this province has to offer.

Being educated should start by learning to love yourself, love others,
being compassionate and knowing the difference between sympathy and
empathy.

We were not born with a chimney attached to our bodies and we were not
born needing to get high from any form of drugs or alcohol that you
have to ingest.

Why should we legalize any more unnatural forms of
highs?

That does not sound like an educated thing to do. It does sound like a
crutch and an excuse.

R. Armstrong

Vernon
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MAP posted-by: Matt