Reading
Mary's Manifesto, I got a big grin on my face when I came to this part:
I happen to believe that the alcohol, tobacco and pharmaceutical industries have a huge interest in keeping marijuana illegal. And the DEA, well, where on earth would they be if all narcotics traffic were suddenly decriminalized? For that matter, it might just screw up several cartels and their covert partners here in the United States of America, eh?
Imagine the steep drop in arrests, convictions, prison terms and prison inmates, were all drug laws to be suspended immediately. Imagine the number of prisoners currently rotting in jail for possession of a fucking ounce of marijuana who would be let loose on our pristine streets.
.
This is pure, unadulterated truth. I got a little disappointed reading the few comments disparaging it.
I could be rightfully described as a pothead. You'd never know it meeting me on the street, but I smoked my first joint at 13. I haven't gone more than 6 months without another joint in 9 years. Besides a little less cash in my pocket, and a B instead of an A in a few classes, I don't think it's harmed me.
I'm extremely biased on this issue. My government, and my fellow citizens, have decided my behavior is a criminal offense roughly equal to aggravated assault. If it weren't for a kind judge willing to drop a charge, I wouldn't be eligible for Federal Financial Aid right now. The War on Drugs very nearly cost me my education.
I'm not a criminal. My choice of entertainment has never harmed anyone. The worst I've done is give money to local entrepreneurs. I've certainly never funded terrorism. The propaganda I see whenever I turn on the television makes me sick. I get even sicker when I think of people on "my side" buying it. The Anti-Drug is the same as The Music Man. It's greedy tricksters selling an expensive solution to something that's not a problem.
This is my key issue. I know to most people, The Right to Get High is pretty minor. But it affects me greatly. I know I'm right. I know it's my body, my consciousness, my life. I know I can alter it any damn way I please. For that reason I refuse to follow unjust laws. This means, every time I drive to my Marijuana Retailer and back, I'm risking losing my freedom. I'm risking my opportunity for meaningful employment. I'm risking my life.
I didn't vote Kerry because he voted for war and spoke against my freedom. I was three months too young, but I would've voted Nader in 2000 for the same reason. I live in Florida. If Democrats won't grow a spine, if they won't support what's right, I will vote Green or spoil my ballot. I won't vote against my own freedom.