Pubdate: Thu, 09 Jan 2014 Source: Palm Beach Post, The (FL) Copyright: 2014 The Palm Beach Post Contact: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/333 Author: David F. Sweeney TWO RECENT STORIES SHOW INCONGRUITY Didn't anyone notice the apparent incongruity between two recent news stories? On Dec. 29, The Post's front page trumpeted "New effort to curb smoking." Our Legislature has promised a new effort to stamp out the evil, addictive habit of cigarette smoking. This most recent effort in the war on drugs would extend the ban on smoking to playgrounds to avoid the "dangers of secondhand smoke." The next day, and every day since, we have been bombarded with media coverage of Colorado's legalization of the sale of marijuana for "recreational purposes." Washington state will shortly vote on the same issue. News media reports note that Colorado expects to take in $600 million in new tax revenue from weed sales. What may appear to the unenlightened as stark evidence that the inmates have seized control of the institution may in fact be the work of the same geniuses who presently guide our nation's fiscal and monetary policy. What is Ben Bernanke doing now? In the short time since cigarettes were discovered to be addictive, we have created an new industry, employing thousands, i.e. helping people beat addiction. An added benefit has been the tax bonanza that comes from the continued sale of these "recreational" drugs to those who can't kick the habit. How long will it take our leaders in Tallahassee to seize this opportunity? If they have the courage and foresight to add cocaine and heroin to available recreational pastimes, our state coffers will overflow, and our tax burdens will be over. Unless, of course we have to pay for rehabbing those who recreate. DAVID F. SWEENEY Stuart - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom