In watching the debate concerning Question 9 on the November ballot, I notice the words "Sin City," "sin tax," etc., seem to come up often. References to prostitution and gambling are numerous. As a Christian, I have seen nothing in the Bible supporting prohibition of this God-given plant. There are, however, many references condemning lies and the unfounded persecution of fellow human beings. The only drug mentioned as such in the Christian Bible is alcohol. While the Bible condemns drunkenness and irresponsible use, alcohol is also touted for its medicinal uses and as a "lifter of spirits." According to ancient Hebrew texts, Cannabis ("kaneh bosm") was a primary ingredient in sacred anointing oils. It is clear the misconception of "The Evil Weed" was produced by decades of reefer madness propaganda, not God Almighty. Steve Evans St. Crete, Neb. [end]
In watching the debate concerning Question 9 on the November ballot, the words "Sin City" and "sin tax" seem to come up often. References to prostitution and gambling are numerous. As a Christian, I have seen nothing in the Bible supporting prohibition of this God-given plant. There are, however, many references condemning lies and the unfounded persecution of our fellow human beings. The only drug mentioned in the Christian Bible is alcohol. While condemning drunkenness and irresponsible use, alcohol is also touted for its medicinal uses and as a "lifter of spirits." According to ancient Hebrew texts, cannabis was a primary ingredient in sacred anointing oils. It is clear that the misconception of "The Evil Weed" was produced by decades of reefer madness propaganda, not God Almighty. Steve Evans, Crete, Neb. [end]
Editor: Ronnie Oliver's letter (Sept. 28) parallels the current White House drug-control strategy, portraying casual illicit drug users as unpatriotic and somehow responsible for Sept. 11. This carries forward the same failed efforts at drug prevention as the "Reefer Madness" campaign of the 1930s. Marijuana is by far the most popular illegal substance. Smokers know it is primarily home-grown in the United States and imported from Canada or Mexico, so the White House approach is likely to have little effect on its consumption. [continues 145 words]
The White House drug control strategy portraying casual illicit drug users as unpatriotic and somehow responsible for Sept. 11, carries forward the same failed efforts at drug prevention as the "Reefer Madness" campaign of the 1930s. Marijuana is by far the most popular illegal substance. Smokers know it is primarily homegrown in the U.S. and imported from Canada or Mexico, so this approach is likely to have little effect on its consumption. Its prohibition, however does help promote organized crime here and abroad. Opium production clearly occurs in Afghanistan and one could assume is helping fund the terrorists. [continues 119 words]
To the Editor: Thanks to Robert Sharpe (2/1/02) for a realistic view on the drug problem facing both NE and our nation. Our noble attempt at eliminating alcohol (a dangerous and addictive drug that kills over 100,000 Americans a year) was a miserable failure. Over 30 years of marijuana prohibition has done nothing but fill our prisons, ruin thousands of lives, and cost billions of dollars. It seems our governments efforts at dictating morality (the job of family and Church) are as effective as police efforts at drug education and prevention (the job of families and schools). Authorities admit at best they are intercepting only 10 percent of illegal drugs. Would we continue to support an education program that produces a 10 percent literacy rate when proven models are available at less cost and a much higher success rate? [continues 159 words]
