What is logical?
Given that the legalization of marijuana is an emotionally charged hot-button issue, I would like to put forth a position based on reason and logic rather than a subjective opinion.
At the onset let me clarify that I am addressing the legalization of marijuana as a recreational drug and not its use as a medical drug used in the treatment of cancer patients as was erroneously espoused by marijuana advocates before the measure was voted on.
As Tim Baldwin stated in his recent letter to the editor, “The negative consequences of alcohol are incalculable throughout America and Montana: ruined families, hungry children, beaten spouses, lost lives, damaged property, increased insurance premiums, higher taxes, trashed neighborhoods and streets — to name a few. Of all the violent crimes consuming our resources in the justice system, alcohol is the No. 1 cause.”
To reiterate, these are but a few of the negative impacts the legal alcohol drug has had on our families, communities and country as a whole and I submit that in principle, what Tim Baldwin presented is the strongest argument for not legalizing another “recreational” drug.
Yes, the drugs are different as are the ways in which their effects manifest themselves, however, they both impair.
Society as a whole has thoroughly demonstrated its inability, or more accurately its unwillingness to use alcohol in a responsible manor. That said, I am not advocating prohibition nor am I suggesting that alcohol is inherently “evil.”
Consumed in moderation and in a responsible manner it can be both beneficial and enjoyable.
My point is that the evidence Tim Baldwin provided is a good indicator of how irresponsibly society as a whole would use marijuana. And for those who would argue that there are a vast number of responsible individuals already using marijuana, I would simply ask them to define what is a “responsible individual?”
I don’t believe many would define those who knowingly and deliberately break the law as being “responsible individuals.” Therefore, based upon societal indicators from its misuse of alcohol, to legalize non-medical marijuana would simply be illogical.
By way of personal observation, perhaps the real question we as a society should be asking ourselves is: What example are we setting for our children?
We use drugs for “recreation,” to “self-medicate,” “escape reality” or just to become num. Here’s an idea, instead of using drugs for “recreation” how about using a bike and enjoy the outdoors — it won’t even make you cough.
And lets be honest, how many good decisions have you made while impaired? What great discoveries, inventions or accomplishments have been made by individuals who were impaired? What ever happened to “strength of character” or “meeting life’s challenges head-on” or “facing our problems?”
Aren’t these what we should be instilling in our children by example? Are these not the qualities that built our country and made it great?
— Jeff Bailey
Editor's note: This column appeared on the opinion page of the Sept. 19 Whitefish Pilot with an incorrectly attributed quote. The attribution has been corrected.