Originally, I was going to write my column on the controversy surrounding Mel Gibson’s new movie,”Passion.”
However, this week I became aware of an organization called NORML, or National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws. Many of you may have received an e-mail asking for support of this group, as I did.
Personally, I was appalled at the prospect of this so-called activist group becoming part of the Loyola community.
If Loyola prides itself on excellence, as it claims, NORML should not be invited as a campus organization. After receiving the e-mail from the NORML organizers, who did not give their names, I researched what they were all about.
NORML, which was founded in 1970, claims to be the voice of “responsible marijuana smokers.” They support the recreational use of marijuana, as well as the “cultivation and casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts.”
All of these actions are presently illegal, and have been for more than 40 years. There are many chapters of this organization nationwide, although there are none in Louisiana.
This means that if NORML is allowed to participate on campus, Loyola will be the only host to a chapter of this group in the state.
The creators and supporters of NORML say that children should not be allowed smoke marijuana. I guess they failed to acknowledge that it the possession, cultivation and small transfers of marijuana were legal, the accessibility of the drug to children would increase tremendously.
There already is a horrific epidemic of underage drinking and smoking in the country. Why make things worse?
NORML paints a pretty picture of marijuana that is not a reality.
It claims that, “the vast majority of marijuana smokers are good citizens who work hard, raise families, pay taxes and contribute in a positive way to their communities. They are certainly not part of the crime problem in this country, and it is terribly unfair to continue to treat them as criminals.”
Did they not realize that by smoking marijuana, they are criminals, and as long as they continue to break the law, the country will continue to treat them like criminals?
It is hypocritical for Loyola to sponsor an organization that advocates marijuana use. Loyola’s mission is to better the individual as well as the community; therefore, it should not sponsor NORML.
While I am an adamant proponent of the free speech amendment, I believe it is inappropriate for the university to support any organization that advocates illegal activity.
If people wish to support NORML, they can do so privately, and not on the Loyola campus.
~ Brad Zarin is a political science junior
