Pubdate: Thu, 04 Jul 2002
Source: Dallas Morning News (TX)
Copyright: 2002 The Dallas Morning News
Contact:  http://www.dallasnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/117
Author: Kirk Muse

KHAT? WHAT?

Re: "Ancient use, new import--Drug Agents: 'Khat' Leaf an Illegal Stimulant 
With Growing Niche in Dallas," by Todd Bensman, metro, June 27.  It looks 
like "khat" is going to be our next marijuana.  Right now, most Americans 
have never heard of khat.  That will soon change.

Prior to the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, the vast majority of 
Americans never heard of marijuana.  Now almost everybody knows what 
marijuana is and the U. S. government estimates that at least 76 million 
Americans have used it.

Marijuana prohibition has been very successful.  Successful in promoting 
the use of marijuana.

Soon politicians will hold hearings on the evils of khat.  Soon the same 
politicians will declare that American children must be protected from khat.

Soon khat will be a household word.  Soon our jails and prisons will be 
filled with khat users and dealers.

Isn't it great to have our politicians protect us from khat?

Kirk Muse

Mesa, AZ
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MAP posted-by: Beth