Posted February 6th, 2009 at 3:54PMMichael Phelps: Puppy torturer! by Joe Conason
So why do we still need to feign outrage over Michael Phelps? Why must he humble himself before the cameras as if he had tortured a puppy? Why should the law treat cannabis as a damaging addiction, when in fact nearly anyone who has accomplished anything worthwhile seems to have taken at least a toke or two? Those are among the mysteries of modern prohibition, which is unlikely to end anytime soon. For now, however, the president who once smoked pot (in fact, many more times than once) ought to fulfill his campaign promise to end the cruel federal raids on medical marijuana clubs. Surely he knows better, and so do the rest of us.
Has anyone else been bothered by the recent manufactured hysteria over Phelps sucking on a bong? There’s no excuse for the media blitz over the photo because nobody ought to care. It has no bearing on his athletic feats and it shouldn’t diminish him in the eyes of fans, old and young (especially) alike. An editorial on thehill.com: “Sure, there will be some who will say that this latest chapter in Phelp’s life is deserving of criticism because the 14-time gold medalist is sending a poor message to young children. And what message would that be? That you can occasionally smoke marijuana and still be successful in life. Well sorry if the truth hurts.”
The post continues, citing a recent study by the University of Alberta, which finds most people who use marijuana do so to… Unwind.
Researchers concluded: “[M]ost adult marijuana users regulate use to their recreational time and do not use compulsively. Rather, their use is purposively intended to enhance their leisure activities and manage the challenges and demands of living in contemporary modern society.”
Willie Nelson, paraphrasing:
It ain’t nobody’s business if I do, Lord no.
Well, it ain’t nobody’s business if I do
Phelps’ 2004 DUI was a mistake. The only mistake this time around was being in the same room as a paparazzo with a camera.
And lest you believe the myth that people aren’t busted for pot these days, just check the facts. Nearly a million each year are convicted on pot-related offenses, and the vast majority are non-violent offenders, on possession charges. State law has softened, but the DEA, under federal jurisdiction, still raids medical marijuana facilities in California and other states where medical use has been legalized. A collective WTF?
So despite the sorry fixation on Phelps, it’s not all about humiliating unassuming celebrities. And convictions mean penalties, jail time, parole, and a record that cock-blocks student aid eligibility and employment chances.
Joe Conason again:
“None of this rampant toking seems to have impaired athletic performance – unless we assume that Phelps, for instance, would somehow have won more than eight gold medals at last summer’s Olympic Games. So much for the argument that marijuana damages motivation, or prowess, or leads inevitably to more dangerous narcotics.”
We need to put this charade to rest. Change to America’s drug laws might be the perfect litmus test for our new fearless leaders in Washington.
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