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 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D