Pubdate: Mon, 11 Jul 2005 Source: Missoulian (MT) Copyright: 2005 Missoulian Contact: http://www.missoulian.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/720 Note: Only prints letters from within its print circulation area Source: Missoulian (MT) Author: Lon LaBelle Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) ADULTS OUGHT TO REGULATE THEMSELVES Adults have the option to buy booze if they want. There are no state registrations, doctor's authorizations or yearly fees required to do so. Even if our society realizes how much terror and misery alcohol has brought upon us, we still have the choice to purchase it. The innocent, non-abusive consumer of alcohol is not judged badly because of the many abuses that cause havoc on our population. Cigarettes and junk food cause a sooner-than-later death. Everyone realizes the negative impact they have on our health - yet we are not charged a state yearly fee, state registration and doctor's OK to purchase these. We adults are being trusted enough to make our own decisions concerning these potentially dangerous substances. Every substance people consume can be harmful if not used properly. A huge twist in allowing adults to make their own decisions is marijuana. The plant is used by millions of our country's mature, productive residents. The plant's proper use has helped many with a variety of ailments. It has not caused the deaths of millions and millions of innocent people just because they were "too close" as alcohol has. Adults should not be persecuted because of our government's fabricated falsehoods and brainwashing concerning the plant. Since the early 1940s, thousands of years of the plant's positive uses are well documented and cannot be brushed aside by a few years of our government's deception. The government's restrictions are creating unwanted criminals. Parents concerned about substance abuse are responsible for their children's behavior, not the government. Instead of being too busy judging others for your kids' shortcomings, be too busy supervising their activities. Marijuana use among consenting adults should be nothing more than their personal decision to do so. Lon LaBelle, Noxon - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake