| Don't miss the debate in the comments including Mason's response -johne SAFER amazes me because they manage to take a cause I fundamentally support -- ending the "war on drugs" stupidity as it relates to marijuana -- and package their campaign in a way that makes me roll my eyes and wonder how anyone can take them seriously. An e-mail landed in my in-box the other day from SAFER, criticizing the Denver City Council for working with Coors Brewing Company, which SAFER claims promotes a "more dangerous drug" at "city-operated venues frequented by children." A "dangerous drug"? Coors??!!? It's more like making love in a canoe. What's up with the "won't someone please think of the children" argument? Apparently, it's to attack as hypocrites members of the Denver City Council who oppose SAFER's ballot initiative to make marijuana prosecution officially the lowest priority of Denver law enforcement, on the ground that the initiative sends the wrong message to children. The problem is that arguments based on labeling your opponents as hypocrites almost never do much to promote the merits of the position you are advancing. In this case, one could avoid being a hypocrite by opposing both the City's relationship with Coors Brewing and the SAFER initiative. Besides, rumor has it that Mason Tvert serves beer at parties. Would that make him a hypocrite? Maybe, but the point is that there is nothing wrong with serving beer at parties if people enjoy it in moderation. However, the SAFER message seems to be that if you are going to act with a complete lack of self-control, you are better off using marijuana than alcohol. In my opinion, it would be much more persuasive for the legalization advocates to argue that marijuana, like beer, can be enjoyed responsibly in moderation. |
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