Pubdate: Sun, 08 Feb 2015
Source: Journal Standard, The (Freeport, IL)
Copyright: 2015 GateHouse Media, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.journalstandard.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3182
Author: Robert F. Becker

MARIJUANA IS NOT THE ANSWER TO OUR PROBLEMS

Seventy some years ago in my youth, I learned drugs and alcohol would 
mess up people mentally, they could harm themselves and others. A 
high school mate researched the dangers of marijuana and warned us to 
avoid it and other narcotics. As a young adult, I experienced and saw 
tragic life-altering effects of addictive drugs, alcohol and games 
learned to shun them and live a happy life.

So, I am aghast at the headline "Pot production raises hopes," and 
the euphoria over resurrection of Mill Race tax profiteering. I 
seriously question anyone pushing marijuana as a life-saving medical 
substance when it cures nothing. Whom besides tax addicts and users 
insist it is medicine?

Aside from tax-funded government and political activity, who 
benefits? Has anyone in Freeport invested in it, or is that a secret? 
None of the principles appear to have roots here, so the real 
development profits go out of town along with interest to bondholders.

Seventy-five jobs? Who for? The welfare whiners? I'm told there are 
very few reliable workers "Most want the pay, but not the work!" I'd 
bet if facts were known, there are several hundred working in the 
local illegal pot/drug business, which degrades this community and 
costs millions in welfare, and destroys hundreds of honorable jobs. 
How much welfare/charity flows into gaming, lottery, crime, drugs and 
law? People engaged in wretched activities must be stopped for an 
honorable economy to function.

Fifty-nine years ago, I came to Freeport for honorable work and to 
raise my family in a mostly, morally sane community. Now it's gone 
delusional over unaffordable medical pot in competition with cheap 
illegal stuff. Who wins? Not the U.S. We're trapped in a tax-addicted 
political spending culture far worse than the despotic tyranny 
overthrown 250 years ago.

Robert F. Becker, Freeport
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom