Pubdate: Wed, 04 May 2016
Source: Windsor Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 The Windsor Star
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501
Author: William Strong
Page: A8

TOBACCO OR POT: IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY

I love the way governments work.

Over the past two or three decades, we've had a concerted effort and 
spent millions to convince people, especially young people, to kick 
the smoking habit.

You can't smoke in restaurants, airplanes, hotels or now, in some 
places, even parks. Can't display cigarettes in stores lest someone 
might get the urge.

All these measures, I do believe, have reduced the number of smokers 
considerably, and that's good. It's a rotten habit.

Well now, our wonderfully enlightened government has had an epiphany 
and decided to legalize marijuana. On April 20, we saw dozens of 
people out on the streets smoking up and not a cop in sight.

Why is smoking a joint OK but smoking a cigarette bad? Well folks, 
the answer is simple. It's all about money.

If we think by making pot legal it will stop kids from smoking, well 
it won't. Sure, the kids won't be able to buy it legally, but just 
like regular cigarettes, they'll find a way.

But then, our government is cash-strapped and what better way to get 
more bucks into the treasury. As I said, it's all about money.

Can't wait to see a selfie of Justin smoking a joint. Great role model.

William Strong, Kingsville
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom