TOKERS

Let's Go Back To The Stone Age

As a student at the University of Colorado, I must comment on the supposed
"4/20 Riot" that was exposed in the April 11 Daily Camera. I don't know
whom Dan Enfield has been talking to, but the silent masses of CU students
who represent the real opinion of our beloved campus believe 4/20 is a day
to congregate in a peaceful gathering to celebrate Mother Earth's wonderful
gift of marijuana.

The tradition of 4/20 has been around since the '70s and it has been a day
for stoners to assemble to share ideas, experiences and have a good time.
It evolved from a phrase meaning "a time to smoke pot" but it is far from
just a day to smoke, as we could smoke any other day of the year. People
who plan on gathering on 4/20 never had any intent to riot in protest of
the supposed "crackdown." In fact, the purpose of the gathering is to
maintain the peaceful and united presence of our community.

The celebrations by the students at CU-Boulder are not unlike those on any
other college campus throughout the country. To add the holiday 4/20 to the
"link of an unending chain of controversy at CU" would be a mistake because
it has been happening for years, even before all the controversy that
currently burdens our school. It cannot go unnoticed that alcohol (a legal
substance) has played a negative role in parties and caused riots, whereas
marijuana is never linked to a death or destructive activity.

Don't you think for CU to rid itself from its bad rap, it ought to
recognize the peaceful intentions of 4/20? Dan Enfield, I promise if you
pull up a lawn chair and look around, all you'll see is hugs (especially
with trees), smiles, red-eyes, and not flaming, overturned cars.

STEVE ROTH,

Boulder