POT NORMALIZATION APPALLING TREND

Originally, I was going to write my column on the controversy surrounding
Mel Gibson's new movie,"Passion."

However, this week I became aware of an organization called NORML, or
National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws. Many of you may have
received an e-mail asking for support of this group, as I did.

Personally, I was appalled at the prospect of this so-called activist group
becoming part of the Loyola community.

If Loyola prides itself on excellence, as it claims, NORML should not be
invited as a campus organization. After receiving the e-mail from the NORML
organizers, who did not give their names, I researched what they were all
about.

NORML, which was founded in 1970, claims to be the voice of "responsible
marijuana smokers." They support the recreational use of marijuana, as well
as the "cultivation and casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts."

All of these actions are presently illegal, and have been for more than 40
years. There are many chapters of this organization nationwide, although
there are none in Louisiana.

This means that if NORML is allowed to participate on campus, Loyola will
be the only host to a chapter of this group in the state.

The creators and supporters of NORML say that children should not be
allowed smoke marijuana. I guess they failed to acknowledge that it the
possession, cultivation and small transfers of marijuana were legal, the
accessibility of the drug to children would increase tremendously.

There already is a horrific epidemic of underage drinking and smoking in
the country. Why make things worse?

NORML paints a pretty picture of marijuana that is not a reality.

It claims that, "the vast majority of marijuana smokers are good citizens
who work hard, raise families, pay taxes and contribute in a positive way
to their communities. They are certainly not part of the crime problem in
this country, and it is terribly unfair to continue to treat them as
criminals."

Did they not realize that by smoking marijuana, they are criminals, and as
long as they continue to break the law, the country will continue to treat
them like criminals?

It is hypocritical for Loyola to sponsor an organization that advocates
marijuana use. Loyola's mission is to better the individual as well as the
community; therefore, it should not sponsor NORML.

While I am an adamant proponent of the free speech amendment, I believe it
is inappropriate for the university to support any organization that
advocates illegal activity.

If people wish to support NORML, they can do so privately, and not on the
Loyola campus.

Brad Zarin is a political science junior