Happy Toking

In his article “Reefer Gladness,” Timothy Egan makes an argument in favor of legalizing marijuana. His intended audience tends to lean towards people who are already for the legalization of marijuana or for those who are undecided but not leaning heavily towards one opinion. His claim is well put together, countering am arguments used in protest of the legalization of marijuana. Egan’s point is built strongly because he does recognize the most common arguments from people who are against legalizing marijuana. He identifies their point of view on the matter and expresses an equally strong notion counteracting their uncertainties regarding legalization. Like any intelligent person, he does acknowledge people who abuse the drug, but also points out other legal substances that can have an equally harmful effect if consumed in excess. Egan’s political argument regarding marijuana and money flow is one argument I would have liked to see in more detail. But, he instead turns his focus on the various interest groups opposing legalization and explains why he thinks they are so against the ideal. His points are valid and he does a good job putting everything together. His article is not difficult to read and flows nicely from one claim to the next. His strongest claim, in my opinion, however is the one he makes about the appearance of government if they were to legalize marijuana. American people in general and as a whole do nothing but worry about what others see in them and expect out of them. After years of marijuana being categorized as a drug, it makes it that much more difficult for government to legalize it knowing that it would make them look like hypocrites. (but what doesn’t make the government look that way?). Egan gracefully connects the benefits government could have to the oppositions of the people currently benefitting from the fact that it is not legal. He not only brings in the clubs in California that grow and distribute for medical reasons, but he uses another of human emotions to try and persuade the reader to see things his way. The drug cartel is often looked at as dangerous and violent. Egan presents the reader with the thought that the government is threatened by these cartels and is hesitant to legalize due to the fear of possible repercussions from drug lords and the powerful people currently in possession of the marijuana market. Overall, Timothy Egan has a well stated argument, but it is one that is not exactly original. His points are the points of many “pro-legalizers.”

Ruling against military's gay ban puts pressure on Senate

An all too often problem these days is discrimination based on a person's sexuality. U.S. government can be considered by some to be no exception. The current policy in your U.S. military regarding homosexuals is the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. According to this, as long as you are not openly gay, you can fight for your country. A person can be the best sniper in the field keeping others alive, but if it is discovered they are gay, they are out. In May, the House of Representatives made the choice to repeal the policy banning homosexuals from serving in the military. As the pre-election recess draws nearer, it becomes more and more tense as to whether this is going to happen or not. Many democrats fear the Senate will be re-elected more republican heavy and make the chances of repeal more unlikely. According to David Crary's article for Austin American Statesman, "The Justice Department hasn't yet said whether it will appeal the ruling."

I think the ruling should be appealed. Gays have just as much citizenship and rights to fight for our country as anyone else. It is, afterall, their country too.