Don't smoke Pot, You might become an Olympian

[TClaeys]

Or a doctor or lawyer, or maybe even President.

Are we ever going to end the "you cannot become anything if you do drugs" slogan anytime in the future. The fact is you can be a viable, productive part of society even if you are a user. Of course, understandably, the spectrum of drugs and habitual use do determine success to some degree. I can tell you, Phelps would not be the athlete he is if he were, say, a meth addict or heroine addict. But a little bit of pot now and then?? Please. Big freaking deal.

And he HAS to, of course, apologize for his irresponsibility and, I guess, being caught. Use discretion Michael. He is the best in his realm, period. And I think he is a good guy. But smoking pot has somehow made him this shameful deviant??

I submit that if pot were legalized, the world would not be a worse place, it would be better. We have other things to be concerned about. Not recreational pot smoking. How about alcohol related deaths and severe alcoholism in general?? How about abusive and violent people?? How about cigarette marketing and manufacturing?? How about blatent criminal activity by those that run our country?? Should I go on??

Drugs can certainly be problematic, no doubt. But this is not about some dependancy on pot, it is about a bong at a party. We should turn to more reasonable discussion about what is "bad" and what is perfectly OK (like consuming massive amounts of alcohol). Ironic.

Sadly, my guess is we'll still see the jails filled with pot smokers, while our politicians sell senate seats, cheat on their taxes, utilize hookers, drive drunk and get off, and yes, probably smoke pot. (Preferably after a line of coke)

Anyone want to weigh in?? And yes, I know this has no business in the Paracast, but shit..

 

[Gareth]

I dont think he needs to apologise for a goddam thing.

Of course if he wants to retain million dollar endorsement deals he will have to, such is the way society is structured and the lies that are told to the stupid masses.

 

[AnnetteMarie]

One of the news reports mentioned the last time he placed well in a competition, he was arrested for a DUI.

Maybe he needs to learn to celebrate a little more responsibly. but he has not been found to be a steroid user, so isn't cheating. His athletic career is not tainted (that we know), so this should not be held against him.

HOWEVER: folks like Phelps who do exceedingly well in sports, do need to remember there are lots of little guys out there who look up to them. No one asked them to wear the crown, but many athletes do lobby for and accept public funding for training (up here they don't get much, but they do continuously apply for federal funding) and living expenses, so in that sense, use better judgement, non?

 

[bobheck]

One of the news reports mentioned the last time he placed well in a competition, he was arrested for a DUI.

Maybe he needs to learn to celebrate a little more responsibly. but he has not been found to be a steroid user, so isn't cheating. His athletic career is not tainted (that we know), so this should not be held against him.

HOWEVER: folks like Phelps who do exceedingly well in sports, do need to remember there are lots of little guys out there who look up to them. No one asked them to wear the crown, but many athletes do lobby for and accept public funding for training (up here they don't get much, but they do continuously apply for federal funding) and living expenses, so in that sense, use better judgement, non?

It is really not is athletic career that is at stake right now (although there is a chance the IOC will look into drug rules) -- it is his multi-million dollar endorsements.

Omega watches -- "You know, when I need to make a score down in town, I really need to be on time for my dealer -- that is why I wear an Omega watch. I'm Michael Phelps."

Visa -- "I get good stuff from Guatemala -- and my contacts don't take Master Card".

 

[skunkape]

I submit that if ALL drugs were decriminalized, society would be rid of drug crimes.

 

[thefoundryman]

The sentiment towards MJ seems a lot like attitudes present during prohibition. Its funny that alcohol, with it's devastating consequences that seem to follow its consumption, is legal and it's abuse is rampant. Meanwhile binging on the dope usually leads to self-gratification in the form of extra appetite and readiness to sleep.

When I saw Phelps' mug fully-choked down on that bong, couldn't help but notice that he sure looked like he new what he was doing. It's not like pot is a "performance enhancer", and besides the guy earned it. Winning that many gold medals is an extreme acheivement and "tons of kids look to the guy as a role-model" was the big outcry from the mmmdrugs are bad yahoos. EXACTLY!
Those people should be happy that phelps wasn't caught snorting coke of a hookers breast, with a donkey and a midget in a Tijuana hotel. The thing about Marijuana is that everyone does it, no one admits to it . The reasons why it is illegal are terrible, if you were unaware here is a link that has my favourite cannabis factoid; Marijuana has been illegal for less than 1% of the time that it's been in use. Time to dust off those antiquated laws of yore to redefine our cultural decisions. Oh yeah the government can and would tax it too! Imagine that revenue stream!

 

[icculus]

If this guy can win 14 gold medals and pull some crispy' tubes all the power to him. Pot isn't exactly the best thing for you.

 

[skunkape]

Those people should be happy that phelps wasn't caught snorting coke of a hookers breast, with a donkey and a midget in a Tijuana hotel. The thing about Marijuana is that everyone does it, no one admits to it .

At least he's not doing something really damaging like Prozac, Zoloft, etc. Cannabis doesn't eliminate one's ability to have normal human feelings.

 

[bobheck]

The sentiment towards MJ seems a lot like attitudes present during prohibition. Its funny that alcohol, with it's devastating consequences that seem to follow its consumption, is legal and it's abuse is rampant. Meanwhile binging on the dope usually leads to self-gratification in the form of extra appetite and readiness to sleep.

When I saw Phelps' mug fully-choked down on that bong, couldn't help but notice that he sure looked like he new what he was doing. It's not like pot is a "performance enhancer", and besides the guy earned it. Winning that many gold medals is an extreme acheivement and "tons of kids look to the guy as a role-model" was the big outcry from the mmmdrugs are bad yahoos. EXACTLY!
Those people should be happy that phelps wasn't caught snorting coke of a hookers breast, with a donkey and a midget in a Tijuana hotel. The thing about Marijuana is that everyone does it, no one admits to it . The reasons why it is illegal are terrible, if you were unaware here is a link that has my favourite cannabis factoid; Marijuana has been illegal for less than 1% of the time that it's been in use. Time to dust off those antiquated laws of yore to redefine our cultural decisions. Oh yeah the government can and would tax it too! Imagine that revenue stream!

First of all, everyone does NOT do it. I certainly don't -- for real.

Now, with that said, I actually think that legalizing recreational drugs and putting some legal guidelines for their use would be the best thing that could happen. You want to have a good time - FINE. But be responsible. If you are not, then you get ticketed, jailed, whatever, and have to abstain for X years and be on probation.

Another thing I like about the legalization aspect, it totally takes the profit out of all the drug crime. Tax the stuff (as you said), control it, but let companies make gobs of it legally and drive the price down. Bye bye revenue stream for gangs and drug lords.

 

[Koji K.]

At least he's not doing something really damaging like Prozac, Zoloft, etc. Cannabis doesn't eliminate one's ability to have normal human feelings.

Huh. This seems a little single-minded. There are many people with chronic severe depression who would say that their condition leaves them unable to have normal human feelings and SSRI's like Zoloft actually help them act and feel more like a normal human being. Myself included.

Conversely (and don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of the maryjane) *chronic, irresponsible* pot use does eliminate one's ability to grow emotionally.

Those things said, this whole Phelps thing is much ado about nothing. As is the holding up of sports heroes as role models when taken to the extreme of freaking out over their little foibles. I only wish it had happened back in the 80's, when I was growing up and all my favorite coin-op games and comic books had that stupid "Winners don't use drugs!" logo somewhere in them.

 

[skunkape]

Bye bye revenue stream for gangs and drug lords.

And the Bush family.

 

[thefoundryman]

First of all, everyone does NOT do it. I certainly don't -- for real.

Now, with that said, I actually think that legalizing recreational drugs and putting some legal guidelines for their use would be the best thing that could happen. You want to have a good time - FINE. But be responsible. If you are not, then you get ticketed, jailed, whatever, and have to abstain for X years and be on probation.

Another thing I like about the legalization aspect, it totally takes the profit out of all the drug crime. Tax the stuff (as you said), control it, but let companies make gobs of it legally and drive the price down. Bye bye revenue stream for gangs and drug lords.

I wouldn't do it either if I lived in Texas! I agree with your other points 100% Bob, where I live we've been seeing gang shootouts escalate, and dangerous and illegal grow-ops get shut down, TODAY another one valued at 4.6 million went down. How much of that money would be better spent working for you to stimulate the economy??

 

[Tommy Allison]

Then, there's the other end of the spectrum. Kal Korff.

 

[AnnetteMarie]

is that damn dirty ape with the guns really kal korff?

 

[Stillborn]

Then, there's the other end of the spectrum. Kal Korff.

No, Korff is a mullet man. This guy got too much long hair.

Shoot his weenie off!

 

[TClaeys]

OK Tommy, once was enough. STOP the cold medicine!!

 

[Stillborn]

OK Tommy, once was enough. STOP the cold medicine!!

I forgot to mention the guitar hero geetar by him. Sorry, just had to do it. I will leave the thread. For a little while I hope.


/edit. Shit, both geetars are geetar heros? No. I am hallucinating. Bad hallucination. PLease green or grey skinny ones give me a probe in my ass. My SP is on the down low tonight.