Pubdate: Tue, 04 May 2004
Source: Racine Journal Times, The (WI)
Copyright: 2004, The Racine Journal Times
Contact:  http://www.journaltimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1659
Author:  Randy Vizyak

UNFAIR STANDARD

Considering all the discussion on drunk driving we need to look at the "Drug
Impaired Driving Enforcement Act of 2004" (HR 3922). This federal
legislation demands all states enact statues sanctioning anyone who operates
a motor vehicle "while any detectable amount of a controlled substance is
present in the persons blood, urine, saliva or other bodily substances."

Let's look at this scientifically: Marijuana metabolites (THC) can be
detected in blood up to 22 hours after use, but the effects of marijuana
last only two to three hours. This is the equivalent of arresting a sober
driver for drunk driving on Thursday afternoon because they had a few drinks
on Wednesday evening. No reasonable person would approve of such a law. We
should oppose this bill on the grounds that it violates the commandment "you
shall not accuse your neighbor falsely." Our nation's 16th president,
Abraham Lincoln, said "Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of
temperance (moderation). It is a species of intemperance within itself, for
it goes beyond the bounds of reason and makes a crime of things that are not
crimes."

Randy Vizyak

Mukwonago
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