MARCH 2011
The Modern Times
WHAT DO THE READERS THINK?
As part of the effort to know our readers
better, we have opened up our doors to
those who are willing to put their
opinions out into the world for everyone
to see. Because we are open to the
general public, we ask that you please
respect the individuality and the
opinions of each author's writings.  marijuana will contribute to more car accidents and deaths.
During the week of March 20-26, 2011, the
controversial issue of marijuana
legalization was discussed. Each day, we
selected the Editorial of the Day.
Throughout the week, we published the
works of both those who were in support
and those who were against legalization.  people would feel the need to abuse the pharmaceutical world. Those
Should Marijuana be Legalized?
Sunday, March 20, 2011
The legalization of currently illegal drugs would greatly lessen or even put
an end to organized crime and gangs, making our streets and homes safer.
Since drug dealing is prohibited, the dealers and buyers put themselves in
dangerous situations in order to decrease the suspicion and the risk of being
arrested. To supply their demand for drugs, gangs and individuals alike feel
pressured to act secretively under the law. When they are faced in situations
where they cannot obtain the illegal drugs, they sometimes resort to force.
These violent crimes include homicide, stealing, and robbery. Often innocent
people or injured or killed due to a fight over drugs. Clearly, most gang
fights and crimes would decrease if the selling and buying of drugs were
legal. This would in turn make the community a safer and more peaceful
place to live.
-Jamie Scotsman
Monday, March 21, 2011
The roads have no place for marijuana. Because we already have
problems with drunk drivers, the last thing we need are stoned drivers
taking the roads. Smoking marijuana is a stimulant just like alcohol. It
affects the mind and can lead to poor decisions, or in this case, car
accidents. More accidents could lead to increased car insurance rates
because of their increased likelihood. In addition, it would be harder for
cops to do “marijuana check points” on the roads because a drug test is
not as quick as a breathalyzer or sobriety test. In sum, legalizing
-Al Agator
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 
The use of marijuana, for both medical reasons or for coping with the
troubles of daily life, should be legalized. This currently banned drug
has proven health benefits and can significantly aid in the treatment of
many diseases from cancer to AIDS. If marijuana were legalized, less
who resort to faking illnesses in order to get hold of the substance
would no longer feel the need to lie to both doctors and the state; those
who actually experience pain would gain physical and emotional relief
from the terrible side effects of being ill. Therefore, to benefit both sick
and healthy people alike without any major consequences, the use of
this drug should be legalized in the United States. 
-Goldie Locks
 MARCH 2011
The Modern Times

Should Marijuana be Legalized?

Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Although legalizing marijuana would be beneficial to people who need
it for medical reasons, the criminal system would also reap some of
these benefits. Our local jails are too often bombarded with minor cases
of drug possession, which leaves less room for more serious cases such
as rape, murder, or terrorism. The added amount of criminals stuck in
jail can put stress on the resources needed in the court system like
juries, prosecutors and defenders. These resources are not free, and, as
a result, our nation’s tax dollars will be wasted. The court system is
bogged down with too many minor cases, but if all of the cases related
to marijuana were dismissed then more time for important cases would
be created. I believe, as well as many other citizens, that the war on “The evidence is overwhelming that
drugs is an expensive waste of time and resources. Legalizing
marijuana should be a top priority in our country in order to free up marijuana can relieve certain types of
our criminal justice system.  pain, nausea, vomiting and other
-Darren Warden
symptoms caused by such illnesses as
Thursday, March 24, 2011 multiple sclerosis, cancer and AIDS - -
Illegal drugs, particularly marijuana, should not be legalized due to the
numerous and unknown consequences of usage. By being easily or by the harsh drugs sometimes used to
accessible, there is a good chance that larger populations of people treat them. And it can do so with
would be under the influence of these unsafe drugs. Studies have
concluded that these drugs intoxicate people and cause side effects such remarkable safety.”
as hallucination and slowed reaction time. If marijuana was made
readily available to the public, there would be an increase in traffic
-Jocelyn Elders
violations, accidents and countless other problems. In addition, there
are still a multitude of various health risks such as lung damage due to
smoking. Also present is the very possible chance of becoming addicted.
Making marijuana legal is going against what is best for the public and
the people.
-Ashley Greene

Friday, March 25, 2011 

We are controllers of our own fate. We all turn to our individuality to
guide us through life. If somebody wants to use marijuana, what is the
problem in that? Marijuana should be legalized; if a person does not
like the idea of smoking, he or she can choose not to. Take tutoring for
example. It is available, but only those who WANT to be tutored are, in
fact, tutored. Just because some people strongly disagree with the idea
of using this drug does not mean that other people do too. Marijuana
should be legalized so that people can have a choice and not get
punished for choosing an unconventional way of living.
-Michael Arthur
 MARCH 2011
The Modern Times

Should Marijuana be Legalized?

Saturday, March 26, 2011

A legal usage of marijuana would create a terrible new problem to one of the
largest and arguably the most important human demographic – teenagers.
Although teenagers are stereotyped into being rebellious and experimental, if
smoking marijuana was permitted by the law, this generalization would become
even truer in today’s society. Because the adolescent mind is not fully developed,
it is much easier for a teenager to get addicted compared to an adult. This could
lead them to making bad decisions later on in life; it is almost as if marijuana is
the first step of a downward and spiraling staircase. By using marijuana today,
the future is also harmed in the process.
-Megan Jameson

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Let us know your opinions and you might make it
into next week’s blog!