Marijuana: A Gift of the Left to America’s Youth: CO and WA already having bad consequences

National Review ^ | 03/12/2013 | Dennis Prager

[SeekAndFind]

Denver television station CBS4 reports that Colorado has seen a sharp spike in marijuana use among teenagers since voters passed Amendment 64 last November, legalizing recreational use of the drug. As described in The Economist, along with a Washington State measure also legalizing marijuana, Amendment 64 is “an electoral first not only for America but for the world.”

That means two American states are to the left of the Scandinavian countries, Holland, and every other liberal country regarding marijuana.

CBS4 quotes a number of local high-school students:

“I’ve seen a lot more people just walking down the street smoking (joints),” high-school student Irie Johnson said.

“In high school it has kind of gotten out of hand,” student Alaina Tanenbaum said.

According to the CBS4 report, based in part on data from a local drug-testing lab: “Experts say the test results show that children are getting higher than ever with alarming levels of THC, marijuana’s active ingredient, in their bodies.”

The massive increase in both the number of users and the amount of marijuana used by young people is precisely what I and many others predicted.

It was easy to foresee.

When something desirable is made easier to obtain, more people will obtain it. It is difficult to imagine an exception to this commonsense observation.

So legalizing marijuana is foolish because it leads to far more use of the drug and the availability of ever more potent forms. But the foolishness doesn’t end there. Equally foolish is that as a society we have made peace with marijuana while making war on tobacco. This has been a classic example of upside-down thinking; and we are reaping exactly what we have sown. We have produced a generation of young Americans who would never put a cigarette or cigar near their lips, but who increasingly get high on pot.

Yes, tobacco — specifically cigarettes — kills and marijuana doesn’t. But, if you’ll forgive the ultimate political incorrectness, young people would do much better in life if they smoked tobacco rather than weed.

First, tobacco doesn’t kill young people. When it kills, it generally kills much older adult people. Moreover, according to a recent issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, if you stop smoking cigarettes by age 44, you will lose only one more year of life than a person who has never smoked.

Second, regular pot smokers increasingly tune out of life, becoming what are known as potheads, or, to put it bluntly, losers.

Third, as noted in the CBS4 report, “new studies that have been published say the risk of a car accident increases two-fold after someone consumes pot.” In other words, innocent human beings — sometimes whole families — are more likely to be maimed, paralyzed, and killed by pot smokers than by cigarette smokers.

For myriad reasons, then, I would far prefer my teenager indulge in cigarettes — not to mention cigars — than pot. Anyone who thinks that pot is less harmful to a teenager than tobacco is fooling himself — and his teenager.

If this is not obvious, ponder these questions: Would you rather your airplane pilot smoke pot or tobacco while flying? How would Britain have fared in World War II if Winston Churchill had smoked pot instead of cigars?

In terms of the effects of tobacco and pot on the smoker while smoking, there is simply no comparison between pot and tobacco.

What the Left has done to America’s youth in the last 40 or so years is so damaging as to be unforgiveable. They have ruined public-school education; left them with so much debt that they will likely be the first American generation to live in a fashion materially inferior to that of their parents; and robbed their innocence with sex-education classes, now beginning in kindergarten in Chicago and elsewhere. Now they are making marijuana available to more kids and in greater potency than ever before.

But they have left them with higher self-esteem.

— Dennis Prager is a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host and columnist.

[Just mythoughts]

Well most users will not accept the admonition against using mind altering poisons. But here are some Chapters and Verses that indicate there will be no mind altering activities taking place when Christ returns to take His Rightful place over the inhabitants of this earth.

I am not going to type out for you the Hebrew and Greek meaning(s) but the words to research are sorcerers and sorceries ... Chapters and Verses are as follows for sorcerers:

Exodus 7:11
Jeremiah 27:9
Daniel 2:2
Malachi 3:5 in the Hebrew

Revelation 21:8
Revelation 22:15 in the Greek

sorceries

Isaiah 47:9
Isaiah 47:12 in the Hebrew

Revelation 9:21
Revelation 18:23

[Ken H]

So there was no legal prohibition in biblical times, and the Bible does not say that the government should have such laws.

Agreed?

[Just mythoughts]

So there was no legal prohibition in biblical times, and the Bible does not say that the government should have such laws. Agreed?

There is NO stated or written law that says Thou shalt not pollute ones mind. However, the Chapters and Verses I gave you clearly state the pushers and users will not be recorded in the Book of Life. Seems fairly simple. So when I encounter these that like taking their minds into deep dark moist places, better do it like there is no tomorrow because when this flesh age ends there will be no more such activity when Christ takes His Rightful place.

[Sherman Logan]

When they did away with alcohol prohibition, did they have alcohol addicts spike up quickly as well?

As with so many things, it's tough to get entirely accurate answers, since there are no definitive statistics from that period.

There is no doubt Prohibition caused alcohol consumption to drop. Estimates vary, from 20% to 60%. Best guess is probably 50%. Of course, it should be remembered that prior to national Prohibition, 2/3 of the population lived in states where alcohol had already been prohibited.

Alcohol rebounded pretty quickly, by 5 years into Prohibition probably to about 60% of consumption before it.

There was a spike in consumption after repeal. Consumption gradually increased thereafter, but did not reach pre-Prohibition levels till the 60s. It's been declining slightly ever since.

At the time of the Revolution, average consumption of alcohol was about twice what it is today.

[WVKayaker]

Isaiah 47:9-
These two things shall come to you
in a moment, in one day;
the loss of children and widowhood
shall come upon you in full measure,
in spite of your many sorceries
and the great power of your enchantments.

So, you define pot use as sorcery. The Scripture uses that term for diviners, mediums, and those that cast spells. Even your references to Greek and Hebrew fail to make your point!

Is you name Obama? Do you always use false facts to try and define your position, or just for this thread? Your entire list of references is for an entirely different set of facts. That is Obamamama style, indeed!

Christ has already taken His rightful place! He lives in our hearts and His Holy Spirit leads our minds into truth. No amount of lies from Self-apponted lords and little gods-to-be will change His rule.

... better do it like there is no tomorrow because when this flesh age ends there will be no more such activity when Christ takes His Rightful place.

...and you know this because the Scripture tells us so, right? What exact verses are you quoting for this revelation? Which demon has given you this power of discernment, since it is surely not from God?

Jesus is God, incarnate. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His kingdom is in front of you, if you wish to take part!

Romans 14: 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.15 For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died.16 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil;17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.20 Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense.21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.22 The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

[Hemingway's Ghost]

You’re living proof of pot smoking changing one’s brain chemistry.

To a battle of wits, you come unarmed.

Given your performance on this thread, I feel confident saying that I could defeat you in any game of words with half my brain tied behind my back. Maybe a few bong rips would make you a smarter, more capable abstract thinker. Give it a shot.

[Just mythoughts]

Hey, I said right up front the pushers and users would not hear. Translators picked and used known words to them at their time to convey the meaning from the original languages. Sometimes the translators got help from the dark side when they did the translating. But a dose of ‘sun’ light and the willing ears and eyes one can discern the intended meaning. One must need to go back to the original language to discover the purpose of why such instruction was given in the first place.

Now it would be a user's mind to then accuse me of being a known user when their tiny messed up mind will not heed God given warnings.

Christ has NOT taken His rightful place because we are still in flesh bodies. It is Written in a twinkle of an eye at the last trump all flesh will be changed. So long as there are flesh bodies inhabiting this earth Christ has NOT returned. Users are losers and dwell in the world of darkness.

[tacticalogic]

Matthew 22:21

U.S. Constitution, Amendment X

[bramps]

Recite your previous post to your entire church, get their reaction, and get back to me. I’m fairly certain they (including your pastor) agree with me. Are they all drunks? What percentage of Christians do you think would be impressed by the fact that you get high and drive on a regular basis, putting other innocent men, women, and children at risk? Don’t kid yourself, like many who call themselves Christian, the only god you listen to is in the mirror.

I would love to know what your church and pastor think of your opinion and experiences with pot. Is there any reason you wouldn’t ask at least a few members?

[WVKayaker]

... One must need to go back to the original language to discover the purpose of why such instruction was given in the first place.

What concordance did you use?

Would you like to discuss those words in their languages. I spent 3 years at Elim Bible Institute in the late 70's. I learned some of that Greek. I went to the local synagogue while there, so I could learn some Hebrew. But, I have found that a good modern translation gives the full flavor and intent of those writings. Unfortunately, there are plenty of translations of translations upon which many people dwell.

Pharisees abound on this board. They are the ones sitting in the front pews and making sure that everyone knows how holy they are. Do you wear tefillin as well?

Christ is indeed exactly where He should be at this time. He is actively interceding for His church. His Holy Spirit is the motive force that changes the hearts and minds. Your words sound like another wannabe man playing god.

Matthew 15: 10 After Jesus called the crowd to Him, He said to them, “Hear and understand. 11 “It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.”

12 Then the disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this statement?” 13 But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant shall be uprooted. 14 “Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

15 Peter said to Him, “Explain the parable to us.” 16 Jesus said, “Are you still lacking in understanding also? 17 “Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? 18 “But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. 19 “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. 20 “These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.”

"Christ has NOT taken His rightful place because we are still in flesh bodies."...-justyourthoughts, not God's

Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

[bramps]

5. driven more than 500 miles without wrecking my car, my 40’ motor home, or other vehicles numerous times.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

your sentence should continue:

...and put many innocent lives in danger due to my actions.
Very Christian of you.

[WVKayaker]

Still carrying that beam, huh?

Your words are falling on the ground. You thoughts make no sense, as they are devolved from anything I said, and incoherently attached to your intended path. I have presented FACTS from my PAST! You then change my intent to say something I did not say.

I would think you should put down the bottle and take a break, if that is making you misunderstand everything I have said. I can see no other reason for your demonstrated lack of cogent discussion.

I have simply posted anecdotal memories of my past to demonstrate that many of former anecdotal statements within this thread do not always apply in every case. But, you drug warriors are determined to ignore truth and beat your chests with your self-righteous indignation.

I should address these same passages to you. Maybe you can better hear from Him...

Matthew 15: 16 Jesus said, “Are you still lacking in understanding also? 17 “Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? 18 “But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. 19 “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. 20 “These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.”

[Just mythoughts]

I am a mere commoner, and ‘seed’ planter. (Parable of the Sower)I can tell you spent time in theology classes.

I use the Kings James Version, simply because as a mere commoner I can then go to the unadulterated Strong’s and look for myself what the original languages by word and where it is used actually mean.

I did not say Christ was NOT where He was suppose to be, I said He had NOT taken His rightful place .... ‘you know’ as LORD of LORDS and KING of KINGS... and if you really understood Ephesians as it is Written you would comprehend what Paul plainly states.

The King James Version does far better than whatever version you used on Ephesians Chapter 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in ‘high’ places.

[WVKayaker]

...and put many innocent lives in danger due to my actions.

You know this because???

Nobody was ever in danger from me. Again, you take your pre-conceived notions and try to apply them to every scenario. I was not impaired. I posted that list to demonstrate the errors in your PRE-SUPPOSITIONS! I have been tested against your false claims, and passed with flying colors. Pot is NOT the demon weed you wish it to be.

Your posts reveal a profound ignorance and display a more profound arrogance. Do you really think you can change a heart with that drivel?

[WVKayaker]

The King James Version does far better than whatever version you used ...

Not!

The "Authorized" KJV was a fast response to the separation by the Church of England from Rome. The horny king wanted another wife, and the Pope said no. So, he started the COE and had his scholars make a quick "English" Bible. The words used are Archaic now, and many have entirely different meanings in this modern context. It is a nice read though, and "comfortable" to those that cannot accept another for whatever reason. As a former Episcopalian, it was the one we used at home and in church.

I also have a Strongs, and a Dakes, and a Thompson chain-ref, and a whole bookcase full of other study aids. But, above all, I rely on the Holy Spirit to guide me into ALL TRUTH! YMMV!

[bramps]

You’re words:

While under the influences of YOUR so-called “demon weed”, I have SUCCESSFULLY:
5. driven more than 500 miles without wrecking my car, my 40’ motor home, or other vehicles numerous times.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS AND DRIVING. Unless you stayed on your driveway, innocent people were in danger. Is it just you, or should everyone be allowed to pick and choose what laws apply to them?

[WVKayaker]

Have you driven at a speed higher than that posted on the highway? If so, you have endangered those people around you, under the influence of self.

You also chose which law applies to you!

SAME OLD CRAP, different day!

[WVKayaker]

You’re words:

If you are referring to my stated words, I think you should have used "your", rather the the contraction for YOU ARE. More ramblings from a bottle?

[JustSayNoToNannies]

the legalize drugs crowd is wrong for thinking they can equate drug use and the harm it does with personal freedom.

Personal freedom encompasses using alcohol or any other mind-altering drug and inflicting on oneself the consequent harm. "Personal freedom" to do only what the government deems nonharmful is no freedom at all.

The question has never been “personal freedom”

Then why did you bring it up, artless dodger?

When the simplest of logic is too complicated there’s always the petty insult

Funny how you didn't mind the "insult" until you completely ran out of relevant responses. Buh-bye.

but rather the overthrow of the moral codes of society at large

56% Favor Legalizing, Regulating Marijuana

So what?

How else would one determine "the moral codes of society at large"?

<crickets/>

If Woody sits in his living room alone when he inhales, how is he affecting any body other than his?

So there may be some Woody willing to sit in his living room but they won’t stay there.

If he leaves, how will he affect any body other than his?

[JustSayNoToNannies]

Teens report nationwide that they can get the illegal-for-adults drug pot more easily than legal-for-adults beer or cigarettes; the evidence is that the most effective way to keep pot out of teens' hands is to legalize it for adults - so sellers have an incentive not to sell to kids (namely, the loss of their legal adult sales).

You're kidding me right?.....Where do you think underage teenagers get their booze from????????

I started drinking at the age of 17, in the summer of 1968 after I graduated from high school. NONE OF US were of legal age to purchase alcohol and had to rely on several 21 year old "ADULTS" who could....

Which part of "most" did you not understand? No known approach is 100% effective - but the evidence is that legalization for adults works better.

What's the difference between your statement and mine where I used a 21 year old "adult" as an example?

Since you said, "You're kidding me right?" I assumed you were disagreeing with me. If not, no difference.