Recently, much has been made about the move in California to decriminalize the use of marijuana. Opponents of California's initiative talk about increases in crime, corruption of the children and how the legalization of marijuana would lead to a breakdown of society. Let us lay these opinions out and look at the facts. First, there is the argument that there would be an increase in crime in society. Well, let us take a look at the numbers of homicide in the United States. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has a handy graph that lays out the numbers from 1900 to 1997. The highest spikes in the graph come from 1919 to 1933 and then from 1969 to the present. [continues 710 words]
Post-Modern Hangover Supposedly, I'm a racist and a paranoid cynic. At least that is what some people who have read some of my columns have said. I like that kind of response, mainly because it just highlights their ignorance and absolute lack of a sense of humor. Whenever I write a satirical article, I try my damnedest to put something in it that showcases the satirical nature of the article. Oh, things like saying Sarah Palin has extensive arctic warfare and polar bear fighting skills to endorse her for vice president, or using ideas straight from "1984" in dealing with terrorists are some of the tools I've used to hold up a mirror to our culture. Some people get it, and some do not. [continues 1062 words]
California, which became the first state to legalize medicinal marijuana 14 years ago, is voting in November on legalizing marijuana use for the general public. The official proposition would help plug the $20 billion gap in the state's budget. According to CNNMoney.com, the legalization of marijuana is estimated to bring more than a billion dollars in state revenue. If the proposed law passes, it is going to be a revolution, and would challenge federal laws prohibiting marijuana completely. When marijuana was legalized for medical uses in 1996, physicians in California acquired the right to prescribe marijuana to patients. Since then, caregivers in California have started possessing and cultivating marijuana. [continues 546 words]
The MSU Faculty Senate will discuss the conditions of a faculty and staff drug and alcohol policy, which went into effect on May 5, at the Senate's first meeting of the semester on Sept. 14. The policy was approved by the university's Executive Council on Jan. 19. The Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy says, "University employees expect to work in a drug free environment. The university expects its employees to be free from the effects of alcohol and drugs while on the job or in the workplace." [continues 452 words]
In November 2005, Denver passed a measure that allowed adults over the age of 21 to possess an ounce or less of marijuana without criminal prosecution. While not exactly legalization (fines are still able to be imposed, and it is still illegal to sell or buy it), it's a step closer for this hot-button topic. On Thursday, the debate takes center stage at The Union as the Heads vs. Feds debate rolls into town. The event, which has become intensely popular on college campuses around the country, is headed by Steven Hager and Robert Stutman. [continues 588 words]
Warning America: the youth of this country are under attack. Bombings, catastrophic natural disasters and the threat of another world war: all of these sound like terrifying realities. But there is a much more alarming threat to our way of life that, if not addressed immediately, will leave our country and our entire future in shambles. The use of drugs, alcohol and the incidence of teenage crime has always been a reality. But what is alarming is not only the number of teens who now participate in this kind of behavior, but also the amount of exposure and the ease of availability for these destructive items. [continues 1085 words]
The draconian prison sentence handed down to former MSU running back Dontae Walker is a prime example of how zero tolerance poses a greater threat to youth than drugs. According to the Monitoring the Future survey, over half of all high school seniors have tried an illicit drug. Denying a majority of the nation's youth an education and the chance to grow up to become productive members of society is not in America's best interest. Most students outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving drugs. An arrest and criminal record, on the other hand, can be life-shattering. After admitting to smoking pot (but not inhaling), former president Bill Clinton opened himself up to "soft on drugs" criticism. Thousands of Americans have paid the price in the form of shattered lives. More Americans went to prison or jail during the Clinton administration than during any past administration. [continues 104 words]
