REPUBLICANS SHOULD GET STONED

I propose that the Young Republicans get in a tight little circle and toke
up a fat bong. The morning after, I want them to go do some research and
prove that people who smoke pot would be a health-cost burden on taxpayers.

The debate of several days ago on "dope" lacked proof. The author argued
that I, as a taxpayer, have agreed to pay for the costs of alcoholics and
heart attack victims, that we as a society have accepted the costs of the
risks of eating fatty foods and legally drinking alcohol. So sorry, but I
don't pay taxes with the understanding that I'm volunteering to help people
who can't eat and drink in moderation. More importantly, I also consider
alcohol and nicotine arbitrarily legalized drugs with heavier health
repercussions and a much higher risk of addiction, especially since pot is
not addictive.

The author wrote, "The State's Primary Health Care program lists substance
abuse as one of its valid ailments." Is this saying we would be paying for
POT SMOKERS to sit in detox? I hope not, because that would be insulting to
the intelligence of all pot smokers. Pot is a much more peaceful drug than
alcohol; that is, pot smokers don't run into other cars, jump from frat
windows, get in fist fights or try to molest women. Young Republicans, try
again -- I'm not convinced it's the financial burden of marijuana you're
concerned about. Let's hear a less smoky argument.

Leah Branford
Junior, pre-major