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
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom