cannabisnews.com: Johnson Tells Students Not To Do Drugs 





Johnson Tells Students Not To Do Drugs 
Posted by FoM on March 25, 2000 at 10:32:01 PT
By Miguel Navrot, Journal Staff Writer 
Source: ABQjournal
Gov. Gary Johnson again Friday slapped down speculation of a wrestling match with his Minnesota counterpart and urged youngsters not to use drugs.   All in one afternoon, all before students of Santa Fe's New Mexico Academy for Sciences and Mathematics.
 Johnson's comments came at an open question-and-answer forum at the academy, where he earlier presented 13 students with merit scholarships to the 2-year-old private school on Old Santa Fe Trail. He encouraged students to learn what they could and use that knowledge later in life.   More than $70,000 in scholarships were given to students in grades six through 10.   After the presentation, teachers, parents and students asked questions and gave comments. Subjects included gasoline price disparity in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, religion and morality, the state income tax, school vouchers, term limits, economic development and the wrestling prowess of the governor from the Land of 10,000 Lakes.   "Because we all know how fit you are," said 13-year-old James Doty, "I was wondering how well your relationship is with Jesse Ventura?"   Quite good, apparently. Johnson said the two hit it off at a governors' conference earlier this year.   "We actually have a lot of views that are very similar," Johnson responded. "We get along pretty well. I don't want to wrestle him, though."   Then there is Johnson's drug legalization issue, which no one tip-toed around; the governor prompted the questions, and children and adults asked away.   "Kids, don't do drugs," Johnson urged. "But as much I tell you that, as much as your parents tell you that, as much as your teachers tell you that, 54 percent of you are going to try some sort of illegal drug."   The topic was prohibited in December, when Johnson answered questions from De Vargas Middle School students. Some parents then had opposed the governor's views, and one even unsuccessfully sought a restraining order in court to prevent Johnson from appearing at the school.   Friday's event included the lingering legalization issue, and Johnson received some praise from parents for his views.   Johnson also noted his public perception in his address to students, which has recently shown to be declining statewide. "I've always wanted to be involved in politics. I've always believed that politics was a high calling," he said. "I understand there would be plenty who would line up and say that I have done no good at all for New Mexico, but this is the opportunity that I was given." Published: Saturday, March 25, 2000 Copyright © 1997 - 2000 Albuquerque JournalRelated Articles:Governor Touts Legalizing Drugs Again http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread5166.shtmlJohnson's Numbers Nose-Dive http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread5158.shtmlCannabisNews Articles On Governor Gary Johnson:http://www.ussc.alltheweb.com/cgi-bin/search?type=all&query=cannabisnews++Gary+Johnson 
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