Lately, I've been thinking about our legislative branch, the Senate and the whorehouse of representatives (not to imply that the Senate has any more integrity than the house, I just have no clever name for the Senate). Anyway, I'm sure that everyone has noticed that there are way too many laws being passed, most of which domn't make much sense. Sure, a lot of them make more sense when you consider which wealthy entity was lobbying to have these bills passed, but they don't make sense for the average American citizen. A prime example in my opinion, are laws about certain intoxicating substances. Why, when the government claims that is wants to protect us from the deadly influence of intoxicants, is a proven killer such as tobacco legal, while a substance with few if any negative side effects [Aside from a lack of motivation (corporate influence at its best)] such as marijuana has landed a significant number of its users in jail? Let me throw out a few ideas. Marijuana is not nearly as addicting as tobacco and its sale is not delegated by large corporate conglomerates. This makes it unattractive to big business. Tobacco and marijuana are both used predominately by lower income groups. Tobacco kills and marijuana doesn't, so to perpetuate America's war on the poor it's best to jail marijuana users and let tobacco kill cigarette smokers. I'm sure that if you look at who is lobbying against marijuana legalization, the prison industrial complex would be a major player. You may ask, what about the recent decision against the tobacco companies giving states money to combat tobacco related problems. I haven't worked that question completely, but I'll give you what I've got. Figuring out the rest will ne where thinking on your part comes in. First of all, if the government really cared about the people why didn't they just shut down the tobacco companies all together? Also, think about our health care system. Does it really cater to the poor? Lastly, think about lung cancer, it isn't usually a situation in which you can go to the doctor and be all better, a large percentage of those who do get treatment will die anyway. And one of my most potent arguments, and one that I almost always forget, the cost of the settlement against tobacco companies isn't carried by the companies, but by the consumer. Does it make sense? Yes it does, but not for the American public, just for the wealthy. Why do we let ourselves be repeatedly raped by these people who are supposed to be representing us? It kind of blows your mind doesn't it? Well, I've thought about it enough for a while, now it's your turn.
