Pubdate: Sat, 04 Jan 2014 Source: State Journal-Register (IL) Copyright: 2014 Kirk W. Boyenga Contact: http://service.sj-r.com/forms/letters.asp Website: http://www.sj-r.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/425 Author: Kirk W. Boyenga COLORADO MARIJUANA ARTICLE WAS BIASED Your recent article on the newly launched sale of marijuana in Colorado is a wonderful example of how news writers long ago dropped the idea of unbiased journalism. It was a clear effort to build support for the new industry by talking about the investment risk, mentioning the ever-demonized film "Reefer Madness" and commenting that marijuana was grown legally in this country before 1937. Even George Washington was mentioned as a former pot grower. I guess the author forgot to mention that hemp was a widely produced crop for making ropes, not for getting high. The average reader will look at that article and conclude that good ole George passed a joint around at Valley Forge. No where was it mentioned that what is being sold now is dramatically different than in years past, that the drug effects last for weeks and that huge negative effects are already being experienced by Colorado schools. The consequences of use to families, businesses and the culture are going to be immense. Please be aware that your words are shaping the thoughts, behaviors and futures of thousands of people. If you don't tell the truth, who will? Kirk W. Boyenga Springfield - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D