420
Founder
I have loved reading the CT for the last three years, and am usually impressed by the Opinions section, even when the articles are ridiculously liberal. The obvious liberalism of the staff is part of the reason I'm so surprised by the editorial "U.S. not ready to puff the magic dragon," ( CT, Nov. 4 ).
First of all, the extremes the editorial board went to are absurd. Paralleling marijuana and heroin? Are you kidding me? That might be the most ignorant comment I've ever seen published in this paper.
The article reflects the author's complete lack of knowledge about marijuana. It claims that with so many problems with alcohol, the United States "can't handle" marijuana. The truth is, marijuana is less harmful to people and society than alcohol. In fact, that was exactly the argument used to persuade Denver voters.
Legalization of marijuana would undoubtedly reduce alcohol consumption. Alcohol leads to a social unruliness ( fights, rape, domestic abuse, etc. ) that marijuana doesn't; and it impairs the ability to function and make decisions to a much higher degree.
As someone who has spent a lot of time around regular marijuana users ( as well as plenty of heavy drinkers ) I can honestly say the effects of marijuana are minimal compared to those of alcohol. And the fact is, adults should be able to make the choice, just like they can with cigarettes and alcohol.
The biggest problem with marijuana is that people ( such as the editorial board ) don't distinguish it from other drugs. It's too bad so many people can't have an open mind and see the real picture, rather than just regurgitate what they've heard from bad after-school specials and D.A.R.E officers.
Source: Collegiate Times (VA Tech, Edu)
Copyright: 2005 Collegiate Times
Contact: opinions@collegiatetimes.com
Website: collegiatetimes.com | An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903
First of all, the extremes the editorial board went to are absurd. Paralleling marijuana and heroin? Are you kidding me? That might be the most ignorant comment I've ever seen published in this paper.
The article reflects the author's complete lack of knowledge about marijuana. It claims that with so many problems with alcohol, the United States "can't handle" marijuana. The truth is, marijuana is less harmful to people and society than alcohol. In fact, that was exactly the argument used to persuade Denver voters.
Legalization of marijuana would undoubtedly reduce alcohol consumption. Alcohol leads to a social unruliness ( fights, rape, domestic abuse, etc. ) that marijuana doesn't; and it impairs the ability to function and make decisions to a much higher degree.
As someone who has spent a lot of time around regular marijuana users ( as well as plenty of heavy drinkers ) I can honestly say the effects of marijuana are minimal compared to those of alcohol. And the fact is, adults should be able to make the choice, just like they can with cigarettes and alcohol.
The biggest problem with marijuana is that people ( such as the editorial board ) don't distinguish it from other drugs. It's too bad so many people can't have an open mind and see the real picture, rather than just regurgitate what they've heard from bad after-school specials and D.A.R.E officers.
Source: Collegiate Times (VA Tech, Edu)
Copyright: 2005 Collegiate Times
Contact: opinions@collegiatetimes.com
Website: collegiatetimes.com | An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903
