Opinion
LETTER: Why ban salvia?
In response to 'Magic Mint' (The Cullman Times, June 23, 2008) I disagree that salvia needs to be banned and made a felony offense. If, as the headline implies, legislators know little about it then it doesn't even rise to the level of acknowledgement. Ms. Soule's attempt to make it illegal and apply the same penalties currently imposed on non-violent marijuana consumers is absolutely absurd. What — we don't have enough people in Alabama jails and prisons for use of natural plants?
This seems like a coordinated campaign nationally. My guess it is coming from the DEA. It is outrageous, since salvia is a non-problem — but maybe if they prohibit it they can change that, seeing as how prohibition of other plants and their derivatives has worked so well in the past and all.
Once Ms. Soule, in collusion with our legislative clowns, make it illegal, we will see a huge jump in its use by kids. We'll see prison imposed for possession of a geranium plant, teens and college kids saddled with felony criminal records (according to Sen. Bedford they are the main consumers), lives ruined, forced treatment, drug court and all kinds of crazy stuff that we don't see now when it is legal and not widely known all because of the raging, moralistic crusade to outlaw anything that might give someone else pleasure. What will they outlaw next, spinning around in circles until you get dizzy? That also alters ones state of consciousness.
Drug prohibition doesn't work, has never worked and will never work. If it did then our prisons would not be stuffed full of non-violent drug offenders and our high schools and college campuses wouldn't be the easiest places to get drugs. This madness has to stop. If the legislature insists on going after problem plants then might I suggest kudzu, privet and poison ivy? That would be a real no brainer.
Loretta Nail
Drug policy reform advocate and was the 2006 Libertarian candidate for Governor of Alabama.
- Opinion
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TIMES EDITORIAL: Steady hand needed on water supply
When two county commissioners showed up at The Cullman Times office Monday to propose a new long-term water plan for the county — taking water from Smith Lake instead of putting a dam on the Duck River — it came as a shock to us.
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Government doesn’t create jobs
On Friday, the Obama administration released its figures on jobs “saved or created” by the government’s stimulus package. They came up with the number 650,000, but what’s it matter? We’re talking about a completely fictitious calculation.
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We’re all Americans
My dad was a Democrat and my mom was a Republican. In the past, I have voted as follows: 1960-J.F. Kennedy, 1972-Richard Nixon, 1976-Jimmy Carter, 1980-Ronald Reagan. There were and are different issues facing our nation at different times. Why so much flip flop?
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We’re responsible for what happens in war
We all know someone who has fought for our country. They come from us. They are our brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, and friends. They are fighting right now. They do their job. They do not have a say in where or whom they fight. They follow orders with courage and love of country. They try to get home again.
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Thanks for a successful event
We thank and appreciate all of the wonderful volunteers and demonstrators who made our 2009 Farm Day a big success.
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Concerns about water regulations
I would like to recommend to those in charge of the proposed new water system that they adopt strong and enforceable rules and regulations for the protection of the water supply.
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Fight for freedom
The late Paul Harvey wrote in 1952, “But free men, free to do anything, are also free to do nothing. Apparently that is our choice. We said we no longer wanted “opportunity.” We wanted “security.” And they gave us chains.
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A broken PACT
State Treasurer Kay Ivey has notified families who purchased Alabama Pre-Paid Affordable College Tuition Contracts (PACT) that the fund is in financial trouble.
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Obama spreading socialist agenda
A majority elected Obama, the lifelong Socialist. Some didn't know. Some didn't care. Some still don't care but most now know. He has governed from the left, with massive government spending and borrowing, more control of banks, lending and even car companies, a so far failed attempt to cap and trade energy, a so far failed attempt to nationalize health care and a far left Supreme Court appointment.
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More applause
Concerning the article on “Applause to Local Business,” I appreciate hearing about good deeds and good businesses — we still have good people in business that have heart and know how to treat their fellow man.
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TIMES EDITORIAL: Steady hand needed on water supply
