The reason I write this is a very simple one, and one that is all too often overlooked by passionate students: marijuana is illegal. In the United States, it is illegal to possess, distribute, or use marijuana. Period. While some may argue that underage drinking is illegal as well, the fundamental truth is that alcohol itself is not classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration as illegal to possess, as marijuana is. That being said, I am just a little confused as to how campus groups such as Students for a Sensible Drug Policy feel they are going to get a movement passed to change the resident life student code of conduct. One can only hope their proposals are only symbolic, and that these students don’t actually believe this ludicrous movement will be recognized by the administration.

This is not to say I disagree with the points the groups address. They argue that marijuana is not nearly as harmful as alcohol, and that students under the influence of marijuana are not an immediate threat to themselves or their fellow students (though the Dorito rack at Wawa should probably watch its back). I do tend to agree with this — alcohol-related violent crimes seem to be much more common than marijuana-related ones. Another good point addressed is that we are wasting our time and money incarcerating otherwise law-abiding citizens. These groups say that as a result of these and several other reasons, marijuana punishments should be decreased.

Nonetheless, these issues are completely irrelevant in talking about campus punishments. Even if change is in the winds for marijuana laws and marijuana is indeed less harmful than the government makes it out to be, the fact is the law states marijuana is illegal and we as a school must uphold that. I’m getting awfully tired of stories about poor friends who were stripped of housing because they were caught with weed, and how unfair it is. I certainly sympathize with the situation — having housing pulled out from under your feet must not be pleasant — but it’s not like the situation is unavoidable and unjust. I have a solution for those who don’t want their housing revoked: don’t bring your weed on campus. Following the rules should not be a selective thing. You know the rules, so don’t complain when the punishments are carried out when you knowingly violate them.

So for all of you who believe our campus’ marijuana policy must change, please think about where you are directing your argument. Perhaps the intention is working your way up the ladder to higher and higher officials until a state or national law is passed, but please don’t ask me to support your endeavors to make the possession of marijuana a “Section B” offense here on campus. Doing so would put possessing this currently illegal substance on the same punishment level as throwing a Nerf football or littering inside the residence halls, and would create a mockery out of our state and national laws.

Megan Maizel is a sophomore philosophy and American studies major.

Newshawk: Mayan
Source: Diamondback, The (U of MD Edu)
Author: Megan Maizel
Published: September 05, 2006
Copyright: 2006 Maryland Media, Inc.
Contact: opinion@dbk.umd.edu
Website: http://www.diamondbackonline.com/

SSDP:
http://www.ssdp.org/

I would recomend that you change majors or change schools soon. Philosophy does require you to criticly think about things. After reading your statement, I see you have not criticly thought through your argument. If we consume Marijuana/Cannabis we would be left out in the cold homeless. But if we drink beer and someone Overdoses we get slapped on the hand. Why should Students be removed from the dorms for consuming a plant, Yet others are drinking a lethal substance and geting a slap on the wrist.

"However, the movement to loosen restrictions on the drug, while impressive in its numbers and passionate leaders, is a cause lacking any real hope." What lacks hope is an American Studies major not seeing a democracy in action.

"In the United States, it is illegal to possess, distribute, or use marijuana. Period." You are correct, but he referendum only concerns the punishment for breaking the law. Period.

"Even if change is in the winds for marijuana laws and marijuana is indeed less harmful than the government makes it out to be, the fact is the law states marijuana is illegal and we as a school must uphold that. I’m getting awfully tired of stories about poor friends who were stripped of housing because they were caught with weed, and how unfair it is. I certainly sympathize with the situation — having housing pulled out from under your feet must not be pleasant — but it’s not like the situation is unavoidable and unjust. I have a solution for those who don’t want their housing revoked: don’t bring your weed on campus. Following the rules should not be a selective thing. You know the rules, so don’t complain when the punishments are carried out when you knowingly violate them." Again, Megan, the referendum only makes the punishment equel to that of a lethal drug. Period.

"Doing so would put possessing this currently illegal substance on the same punishment level as throwing a Nerf football or littering inside the residence halls, and would create a mockery out of our state and national laws." Beer is just as illegal and would seem to mock the laws also. You can't use the argument that beer is only 1/2 as illegal, and then uphold "a Law is a Law" in the same argument.

I would hope that your professors did not read this ? of an argument. How embarising.

can see the shadows

on the sides of your eye

catch a glimpse

twinkle

Eternity Awaits You

Bow to your Master

Eternity

Open your hand

Receive Your Light

You are Never Alone

There is an Infinite Path

Lighted, every step is guaranteed

Every step closer in the Universe

Closer and Closer

Reach to the Heavens

Hail

The Light reached into the depth

And the Night did not understand

Examine your place in this world

Your hand in this place of immorality

Your place in the Stars

Is part of this Eternity

Your Hand can touch Eternity

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Advocate

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man_argument

The Drug War is an immoral and illegal exercise in the USA.

It is largely fueled by ignorant people, with a desire to belong to the underlying Christian movement, which can assure them a place in a dead secular history, a few crumbs off the table of greed and iniquity can feed many swine and whores.

Pity the poor girl, for she has truly lost her way to the stars.

Love and Hatred begins at home:

"At one point in the history of this country it was legal to own slaves, legal to beat your kids and work them 16 hours a day in factories, legal to beat your wife but illegal for women to vote. If we should rely solely on the basis of legality, are you in favor of slavery, child and wife abuse, and taking away a women's right to vote, just because those things USED to be the law?"

Nobody ever says they want all of that stuff, but it just goes over their head because they still don't get it.

1. a toke of cannabis