Pubdate: Sun, 18 Jul 2010 Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PA) Copyright: 2010 PG Publishing Co., Inc. Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/pm4R4dI4 Website: http://www.post-gazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/341 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n542/a01.html Author: Jason Greiner ANY MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION IS A BAD MOVE As a person who values my health and believes in the simplistic but important concept of being responsible, I'm appalled by the notion that state lawmakers are even considering legalizing marijuana for medical uses, as stated in Mackenzie Carpenter's article "Pa. Bill Would Legalize Marijuana as Therapeutic Option" (July 11). Has our society really sunk this low? Sure, there is some very limited merit to any argument regarding therapeutic uses. However, if we take this step, where does it stop? As the article mentions, our culture glorifies the use of this illegal substance in movies and television along with outlets such as musical lyrics and books. Rarely do they show the whole story, choosing only to focus on a happy-go-lucky image. The bottom line is that use of marijuana is synonymous with irresponsibility, selfishness, immaturity and a lack of willpower. And, it's sad when we actually have people raising children and working in financial institutions, as mentioned in the article, involved in such things. I would never let somebody who lights up be even remotely responsible for a child of mine and certainly not for my money. At least we do have a couple of responsible high-ranking politicians out there in the two major candidates for the governor's office. As mentioned in the article, both are very much opposed to legalization in any form. After all, somebody has to step up using some sense and reason to do the right thing. Jason Greiner, Mount Washington - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake