Rebels.
This is how free-spirited, free-thinking individuals have been labeled in our
nation. This same nation is one of many laws
and most of which seem like pointless restrictions, yet it is one which is
quick to judge those who don’t subscribe to the same utilitarian mindset of
uniformity and conformity. We are a
nation that is so blinded by the opinionated views of a few that we can't collectively
see the belief by many who realize and appreciate the monetary value marijuana
can bring to our struggling economy.
Historically,
as Americans we have always been individuals who were prepared to fight for
things we believe in, specifically our freedom.
This doesn’t just extend to inalienable rights, such as life, liberty
and the pursuit of happiness. These same
rights transcend and afford us the right to vote, freedom of speech and freedom
of assembly, but also to the right to earn and make money. After all, we are a democracy where we are
able to form our own businesses and make our own money, yet the trade-off is
the payment of taxes. For years, our
government has taken a tough position on drugs especially marijuana, yet I
believe legalizing this drug has more advantages than disadvantages.
Unlike
other drugs, marijuana is prescribed for medicinal purposes, such as form of treatment
for individuals suffering from glaucoma and is also used to stimulate appetites
in those receiving cancer treatments.
Comparable substances are alcohol and cigarettes, but they offer no
medicinal purpose. Both of which are legal but have known long term side-effects
and include, but are not limited to, cancer, respiratory problems, intestinal
problems, and ultimately death. How can
we legalize cigarettes and alcohol, which are widely promoted, distributed and
sold, but not marijuana? “If we reason
to the root of things, we shall find no difference; neither can any just cause
be assigned why we should punish in the one case and pardon in the other"
(Paine, 162). How can we legalize one substance over the other, especially when
then effects of alcohol and cigarettes greatly outweight the effects of
marijuana?
Marijuana
can be a substantial revenue source, which is a driving force in a capitalist
country like ours which encourages free enterprise. “I believe that every individual is naturally
entitled to do as he pleases with himself and the fruits of his labor, so far
as it in no way interferes with any other men’s rights”, this once said by
Abraham Lincoln. Although our nation has
fought for freedom ever since it was created, it seems the older our nation
becomes the more we fall away from our founding concepts. We have become a nation of pointless, un-American
laws. "....governments are instituted
among men, deriving their just powers among the consent of the governed; that
whenever in any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the
right of the people to alter or abolish it…” (Jefferson, 156). People will
continue to use marijuana for recreational purposes, regardless of whether it’s
illegal or not. So rather than pay for
these people to sit in a jail cell, we could collect the tax revenue off of
marijuana.
Are
we a nation of rebels, or are we just a nation so opposed to change we refuse
to see the benefits marijuana has to our economy?
Please Answer The Following Questions...
- Is my thesis strong/clear?
- Is my thesis supported well throughout the essay?
- Was my paper concluded well?
- What were my strengths/weaknesses as a writer?
- Do you agree or disagree with my opinion and why?
Works Cited
"About Marijuana." NORML.
NORML Foundation, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012.
"Drugs, Alcohol, and
Smoking." How Tobacco Affects Your Body รข€“ Drugs, Alcohol, &
Smoking. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2012.
<http://www.girlshealth.gov/substance/smoking/tobaccotext.cfm>.
"Medical Marijuana
ProCon.org." Medical Marijuana ProCon.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov.
2012. <http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/>.
