I decided to submit this for publication at the school newspaper after reading the story of Dr. Nelson in the paper today. Basically, he got high this summer in his office, someone complained about the smell, and he got busted.
Tell me what you think.
Incidentally, though I kept out my personal info, the letter indicates what university I attend. I've got no problem with that, though perhaps the site does.
Quote:
I am writing this to discuss the case of Dr. Murry Nelson, charged with the offense of smoking marijuana in his office. (“Professor cited on drug charges,” 9/10.) Dr. Nelson, who has managed to make department head and has been awarded multiple Fulbright scholarships, apparently slipped up when he decided to get stoned and got ratted out. Note that he didn’t drive while high, he didn’t give any to his students: he merely wanted to feel the effects of the drug in privacy. We can rest assured, though, that the university will take “appropriate disciplinary measures.”
This weekend, over 110,000 fans were at Beaver Stadium to watch the Lions trounce Notre Dame. The amount of alcohol consumed in and around that stadium was in the tens of thousands, if not the hundreds of thousands, by fans wishing to enhance the festive atmosphere by downing a few beers.
Can anyone explain the fundamental difference between these two actions?
The US government, via the DEA, has outlawed the recreational consumption of almost every drug that alters perception in any way, excepting alcohol. (Note that they tried to outlaw that, too, but lacked the muscle to effectively enforce it.) Under the guise of protecting the public, they have made a wholesale declaration that any drug that “makes one’s head feel different” is inherently evil and requires prohibition. My personal fave, Salvia, is on the road to being made illegal for the mere fact that it profoundly alters perception for 15 minutes at a time.
The Federal government even meddles in the affairs of states that allow medical marijuana for their citizens, passing a federal law in an attempt to nullify state law, so great is their anti-drug vehemence.
From all outward appearances, Dr. Nelson is a hardworking, decent man who is guilty of the heinous crime of wanting to enjoy a mellower state of mind for a few hours. He is being railroaded by our government, basically on ideological grounds.
For all of those who find this as repugnant as I do, remember that it is our representatives that pass laws, and our votes that put these men and women in office. Please, contact him or her and demand an accounting. Also, remember this case and demonstrate your solidarity…I know I will. Don’t accept “well, it might harm someone at some point” as sufficient grounds for prohibition, either. If this criteria were universally applied, downhill skiing, cycling, sex (i.e. all the “fun stuff”) would be illegal, too.
11-09-2007, 00:00
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