Pubdate: Fri, 10 Sept 1999 Source: Isthmus (WI) Contact: http://www.thedailypage.com/ Forum: http://www.thedailypage.com/netforum/isthmus-forum/a.cgi Author: Roger Peasley Note: Subjectline by MAP Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v99.n783.a05.html http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v99/n821/a03.html WEAKENING THE SOCIAL CONSENSUS Marijuana even at its most potent is a mild euphoric, much less debilitating than alcohol. It renders victims "mellow," not violent or cata-tonic. Its typical usage has not the serious health or social costs of alcohol or tobacco (or Phen/Fen, or Viagra). Our War on Drugs should target "killer" drugs like crack cocaine or amphetamines. To put marijuana in the same class is to lose focus and credibility-, weakening the social consensus needed for an effective war. Roger Peasley - --- MAP posted-by: Derek Rea