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Phelps Toke Highlights Absurd Drug Laws

We elected a president who once smoked, so what's the big deal?

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 4, 2009 1:00 PM CST
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(Newser) – Poor Michael Phelps, who will have to be punished for something nearly half the country has also done, writes Kathleen Parker in the Washington Post. And poor Sheriff Leon
Lott, who "probably doesn't want to press charges because it's a waste of time and resources." The real problems, says Parker, are outdated drug laws and a misdirected public message.

Famous "former tokers include our current president and a couple of previous ones, as well as a Supreme Court justice, to name just a few," Parker points out. Anti-drug ads that claim marijuana use ensures a jobless future are the real "gateway drug," she contends: They hook kids on the idea that parental warnings are disingenuous.

In this Sept. 8, 2008 file photo, Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps is hugged by children after sharing his Olympic experience.
In this Sept. 8, 2008 file photo, Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps is hugged by children after sharing his Olympic experience.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
In this Aug. 17, 2008, file photo, United States' Michael Phelps displays his eighth gold medal after the men's Olympic 4x100-meter medley relay final,
In this Aug. 17, 2008, file photo, United States' Michael Phelps displays his eighth gold medal after the men's Olympic 4x100-meter medley relay final,   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill,file)
In this June 29, 2008 file photo, Michael Phelps swims to victory in the men's 400-meter individual medley finals at the US Olympic swimming trials in Omaha, Neb.
In this June 29, 2008 file photo, Michael Phelps swims to victory in the men's 400-meter individual medley finals at the US Olympic swimming trials in Omaha, Neb.   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 16 comments
Guest
Feb 4, 2009 10:16 PM CST
I'll bet that sheriff in South Carolina is lining up a PR guy to handle the press and grant interviews. He's probably going to be this season's Joe the Plumber.
Guest
Feb 4, 2009 5:29 AM CST
Angry much timmy ?
Caps
Feb 4, 2009 4:46 AM CST
Boy you sure are nuts.

Would people write this off if Phelps were black?
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

At least he apologized
Press-Telegram (Long Beach)

Don't fritter away your goodwill, Mike
Baltimore Sun

 
War on Drugs • drugs • Michael Phelps • South Carolina • marijuana • sheriff • Leon Lott • Bill Maher Grid

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