¿Por qué hay una pared aquí?

     In his article, "Blog Stage 7," Johnny Albarran makes a well established argument. He makes it very clear that he is against the building of the wall on the border between United States and Mexico. He uses many facts pertaining to the current and post construction of the wall. He is clearly very knowledgeable on the subject. He presents numerical data in regards to the costs of building the wall, using a fence that has been built in San Diego. I think the use of the financial burden of this one wall is a key argument to use. Since the economy is not in a great place at the time, using the financial burden of the wall is a great way to convince readers that a wall is not a good option for society. I am not sure if construction on walls in other parts of the country exists, but I think Johnny could have made a much stronger argument if he included the financial status of other walls. However, one financial crisis that goes from a projected $14 million to an actual $77 million is more than enough to convert many American citizens. Money is frequently the strongest argument for any project and it was a very critical argument to be used. He did it very well and organized the given data in a way that was straight forward and not mind boggling confusing from having numbers thrown around. The financial argument was very well put together. 

     Johnny also argues that building a wall will not prevent illegal immigration or drug trafficking. " if someone wants to come in, they will find a way" (p. 4). He supports this idea by giving a specific example of one tunnel connecting Tijuana and San Diego. The use of examples is very important when making an argument and he even talks about the level of sophistication established in this one tunnel. 

     It is clear to me how Johnny feels about a wall between the United States and Mexico. Although he does not expand into more detail, I think he does a great job supporting his idea. I would have liked to see proposed alternatives expanded on and some of the costs there, I think it would have made a more solid argument. However, I do think Johnny made a well thought out and put together argument, focusing on what many American citizens would consider some of the biggest problems. I do agree with Johnny, but for slightly different reasons. I simply think it is insulting and rude to want to build a wall. We are the United States for goodness sake, we should have some class.     

Wait, what was I supposed to do today?

So, many like to say that history has a way of repeating itself. Others, think history can be analyzed and learned from to prevent unwanted repetitions. So, why doesn't government realize that history is currently repeating itself? Ever heard of prohibition?

Even though it only lasted thirteen years, the Temperance movement and Prohibition was a complete failure for the United States national government. However, they have been relatively more successful with keeping marijuana illegal. Living in Austin, this can be considered a nuisance. In Texas 2002, over half of all drug related arrests involved marijuana. 

  

Today, marijuana seems to me like 1920’s alcohol consumption. Maybe it is because I live in Austin, a typically weed friendly population, that I feel this way. Eventually, Congress will realize that marijuana is a battle that they may not win.

As with alcohol, marijuana can be regulated and have restrictions. However, it can also be abused just like alcohol, and McDonalds, and the gas pedal of a motor vehicle. Human’s ability to make choices and have free will make everything potentially dangerous. If people were more educated about things, maybe we would make smarter choices, but because subjects like drugs are so under-discussed, people have a tendency to make just as uneducated decisions.

Even states like California not only realize the inevitability of legalizing weed. Even though it was formally voted against legalization in the most recent election, there are many cannabis clubs located throughout California that distribute marijuana for medication purposes. All it takes is going into the doctor. Some doctors even distribute where they hold their practice. Not only does marijuana help ease pains from simple headaches to severe injuries, but it can also help a person sleep or relieve stress. 

Personally, I have only ever known one overweight "pothead." Even though a common side effect is hunger and minor laziness, most people I encounter that smoke (or eat) marijuana on a regular basis are rather slim. Reasoning for this? Unknown, just a personal observation. Willie Nelson is 77 years old, and to the best of my knowledge, still putting on performances and leading a successful life as a well known pot smoker. 

Government needs to wise up and realize that having such a hard thumb in regards to marijuana is about as pointless as it was on alcohol. It is in such high demand these days that people are going to acquire it whether it be legally or illegally. The government might as well tax the hell out of it and make some profit. 

Personally, I would not mind weed remaining illegal. One less thing for government to tax and money-rape American citizens with. And the risk of getting a small fine is worth the savings to most.

Disclaimer : I am in no way endorsing the production or consumption of marijuana in any way, nor do I encourage anyone to partake in any illegal activity or substance. Never operate machinery or anything more complicated than a basic remote control whilst under the influence of any mind-altering substance whether it be legal or illegal. Never grocery shop whilst under the influence of marijuana and always remember to be responsible. Actually, never do anything besides watch TV if under the influence of marijuana. Thank you, and I hope you have had a great semester. Don't do drugs.