Pubdate: Thu, 14 Mar 2002
Source: Bozeman Daily Chronicle (MT)
Copyright: 2002 The Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Contact:  http://news.mywebpal.com/index.cfm?pnpid=311
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1686
Author: Luke Cusack

THE MOST DANGEROUS DRUG IN OUR SOCIETY IS NOT MARIJUANA

Listen up, folks, if you want a "drug" to use as a scapegoat for the 
downfall of America's youth try looking at the most widely abused substance 
in the nation, ALCOHOL. All of the residents of this fair city have seen 
too many tragedies occur as a direct result of alcohol consumption (Kelly 
Morgan [RIP], assault rifles, stabbings, DUI after DUI. Need I go on?)

Yet in the 15 years that I have lived in Bozeman, I have yet to read about 
someone getting high then causing an accident that affects the whole 
community (or any accident for that matter!). Marijuana does not lead to 
violence, sexual assault, or dangerous drivers on our roads.

I feel that Mr. Sharpe made a very good point regarding ending the "war on 
drugs" especially the war on casual marijuana users. The government 
currently is spending more than $9 billion each year on a battle it is 
never going to win. In fact, since the drug war began, the percentage of 
marijuana users has gone up steadily each year.

Why not change angles of attack and use that money for education about 
drugs and alcohol, or to fund research on marijuana and its effects, or for 
establishing a working rehabilitation program for drug offenders instead of 
taking them from their families and cramming them into our prisons.

Basically it seems as though some people around the Bozeman area are 
walking around with their heads where the sun don't shine. Marijuana users 
are portrayed as sinister perverts, willing to lie, cheat, steal and kill 
to "feed their habit." Face it, pot has become more mainstream, normal, 
sane. Nice people smoke pot too.

So watch out, Bozeman, that friend or neighbor or child or parent that you 
know so well just may be a "dangerous stoner!" HA.

Luke Cusack

Bozeman
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens