Pubdate: Thu, 6 Aug 2009 Source: Battalion, The (Texas A&M U, TX Edu) Copyright: 2009 The Battalion Contact: http://www.thebatt.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1137 Author: Ian McPhail JUST THE FACTS, PLEASE Marijuana has been the subject of smear campaigns since the 1930s. As the oldest generations become out-numbered, it's time for a change. Both the government and the press have collaborated in the prohibition against marijuana, a drug millions of Americans have realized does not deserve the same enforcement policy as heroin. Federal institutions and many state governments have fallen behind on the sentiments of almost half the population that claims to have tried marijuana at least once in their lives. Still, a strong anti-cannabis minority exists, supported by industries built on prohibition. Advocates work toward legalization, but their success is far from inevitable. The country's mindset about marijuana is changing, but it has been slowly hindered by slander from the media. "Informative" videos similar to the '30s short Reefer Madness films have indoctrinated the oldest generation to ridiculous untruths about marijuana. Even today, the "Above the Influence" campaign claims that smoking pot hurts video game performance, undoubtedly attempting to compare this to the way college students struggle to combine beer and ping-pong. The organizations funded by the government have been feeding Americans a biased view on marijuana for the past 70 years, one filled with half-truths and lies. Before the 1960s, when there was no Internet and less of a counter-culture, the lies on the screen had more weight. These are people who grew up with the almost-comical myths about marijuana leading to rape and murder, and many will never change their minds. But because the older generation watches news and votes, they wield tremendous power in maintaining the status quo. The major news outlets feed a constituent audience the information it wants to hear about marijuana. The news shows the large illegal marijuana fields, protected by armed gunmen, with officers panicked about the criminal growth. A core audience wants to believe that marijuana is the danger they think and the media is always willing to sell to both sides and call it balanced. "The general mindset is changing, through the demographic change is in the baby boomer generation. As, regrettably, we say goodbye to the last generation, and whether the generation's values are liked or not, each new one gets the opportunity to lead," said Allen Saint Pierre, director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. "Each generation clearly inserts and acts upon their ideas. Right now, the people who are leading the country are the first ones to use recreational drugs that institutions will not allow, both Republicans and Democrats. My mother has a very different view on marijuana than my grandparents." The laws against marijuana have justly been referred to as a prohibition, and should be compared to that more well-known ban. For every Joseph Kennedy who went legitimate with the drink, there was an Al Capone - a career criminal encouraged by profits to be made by outlawing something everyone did. The violence and criminal behavior associated with marijuana would disappear if the drug were legitimized and treated more like alcohol and tobacco than heroin and LSD. Oakland's city council estimates that it could earn at least $400,000 from taxing a fledgling industry at a modest rate. Taxing and regulating marijuana would also create more jobs, in both production and sales. NORML estimates that enforcing laws alone cost the country $7.6 billion, with countless more money lost from treating cannabis as an enemy combatant in the War on Drugs. This does not mention the harm caused to the average marijuana user, a productive person caught up in the teeth of the criminal justice system. Surely half the country does not belong behind bars for smoking a mild plant. More convincing than what marijuana activists are saying is the lack of legitimate negativity reported by the media. Decriminalized states have not crumbled and fallen into the sea, and the best arguments against legalization do not hold water. Drug dealers don't have health standards or check identification, and an awareness program similar to Mothers Against Drunk Driving could educate teenagers better than current abstinent lies. Adults should be able to make their own decision about marijuana and their health in the same way they do about fast food, tobacco and alcohol. Not all states should have to adopt marijuana legalization, but the ones who do should be allowed to make decisions free from federal meddling. Regardless of your opinion on legalization, Americans deserve an accurate depiction of cannabis in our culture, the good with the bad and the freedom to make decisions based on facts. The first step is for people to give smaller organizations and private residents the chance to inform them and force the media into action. Then enter the political playing field, let your congressman know your opinions on marijuana through an actual letter and that you will vote accordingly. Give a spare dollar to support politicians, or donate one to a private group providing you with quality information. The elderly have largely made their decision on marijuana, and to change the culture before 2025 many more young poeple will have to participate equally in America's political system. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake