ACTIVIST'S EFFORT IN POOR TASTE

Some people go to the extreme to get their message across. Such is the case
with Ina Kurz, who is bringing attention to efforts to legalize marijuana
and promote its use by raffling off a bong to benefit the
Rockwood-Garoga-Lassellsville Volunteer Fire Department. If that weren't
distasteful enough, Kurz is calling the 18-inch glass bong - which some
people use for smoking the illegal drug - the "Twin Towers" in honor of the
victims in the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center.

This is an example of activism at its worst. Whether you support the
legalization of pot or not, Kurz's method of sending her message is
insensitive and disrespectful.

Kurz is one of the region's strongest supporters of marijuana use. She owns
the Rockwood General Store, which sells marijuana-themed merchandise, and
is known for organizing two pro-marijuana Woodrock festivals in the late
1990s. She's also run for public office unsuccessfully.

We fail to see how Kurz is doing the Fire Department a favor by associating
it with a bong raffle. Donating money to the department is a noble gesture,
but doing it for self-serving publicity clouds the good will. In effect,
she's manipulating the Fire Department to forward her cause. This sets the
department in a bad light and damages Kurz's credibility as an informed
activist.

Kurz is orchestrating a shameful publicity stunt. She could make her point
in better taste.

We encourage people to donate to the Fire Department, but not through the
raffle of a marijuana smoking device.