Pubdate: Sun, 08 Feb 2015 Source: Journal Standard, The (Freeport, IL) Copyright: 2015 GateHouse Media, Inc. Contact: http://www.journalstandard.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3182 Author: Robert F. Becker MARIJUANA IS NOT THE ANSWER TO OUR PROBLEMS Seventy some years ago in my youth, I learned drugs and alcohol would mess up people mentally, they could harm themselves and others. A high school mate researched the dangers of marijuana and warned us to avoid it and other narcotics. As a young adult, I experienced and saw tragic life-altering effects of addictive drugs, alcohol and games learned to shun them and live a happy life. So, I am aghast at the headline "Pot production raises hopes," and the euphoria over resurrection of Mill Race tax profiteering. I seriously question anyone pushing marijuana as a life-saving medical substance when it cures nothing. Whom besides tax addicts and users insist it is medicine? Aside from tax-funded government and political activity, who benefits? Has anyone in Freeport invested in it, or is that a secret? None of the principles appear to have roots here, so the real development profits go out of town along with interest to bondholders. Seventy-five jobs? Who for? The welfare whiners? I'm told there are very few reliable workers "Most want the pay, but not the work!" I'd bet if facts were known, there are several hundred working in the local illegal pot/drug business, which degrades this community and costs millions in welfare, and destroys hundreds of honorable jobs. How much welfare/charity flows into gaming, lottery, crime, drugs and law? People engaged in wretched activities must be stopped for an honorable economy to function. Fifty-nine years ago, I came to Freeport for honorable work and to raise my family in a mostly, morally sane community. Now it's gone delusional over unaffordable medical pot in competition with cheap illegal stuff. Who wins? Not the U.S. We're trapped in a tax-addicted political spending culture far worse than the despotic tyranny overthrown 250 years ago. Robert F. Becker, Freeport - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom