Phelps lastest celeb linked to hooch posing again the question of legalizing the herb
February 25, 2009
Filed under Opinions
Scott Alsafin
Staff Writer
Too often, people do not stand up for what they do and believe in. In the end, they often back down in the presence of the media or the press for fears of possible humiliation or the discomfort associated with presenting one’s hobbies and recreational activities.
Michael Phelps was suspended from competition for a duration of three months by the USA swimming team due to his recent incident involving a video/picture of Phelps encounter with the horrendous drug known only as, marijuana.
Shortly after the discovery of the video, Phelps immediately apologized for his actions.
News agencies across the globe jumped on the world-wide icon’s stoner stumble, but something unanticipated was witnessed in the blog-o-sphere. A wide range explanation for Phelps encounter with the pot appeared, and majority was feedback rationalizing not only the Olympian’s setback, but the use of marijuana as a whole.
O.K., step back and analyze what happened to the man, who at 23, accomplished something that no one has ever achieved in the history of the Olympic games, which of course was obtaining eight gold medals at one Olympics.
Phelps went to a college party in South Carolina while visiting his girlfriend. While there, he ends up taking a hit off a water pipe brimmed with marijuana at any stereo-typical college party in the off season (the one-and-only exclusive time he is not in rigorous work-out mode). During this, as Phelps described, “lapse of judgment” some genius decides to film a video of the Olympic golden boy, and later pawn it away to a British news agency for a quick buck.
Cause and effect, Phelps is at risk to lose million dollar sponsorships and endorsements all due to a brief toke of the infamous German-based water bong. Kellogs, one of his top sponsors, dropped Phelps a week after the character-damaging video was released.
But should Phelps be at risk for losing it all just for self-indulging with weed?
Despite whatever your stance is on the ganja, recall the vast amount of respectable people whose names have been associated with the devil’s grass to effectively analyze it’s legality.
Another Michael, Michael Vick. Before the whole dog incident, while attempting to board a plane, marijuana was found in Vick’s water bottle as he traveled through customs. Vick, who in 2005 was ranked No. 33 in Forbes Most-Powerful Celebrities list, was caught with marijuana.
Now look to another football great, Ricky Williams. Williams was caught multiple times with dope to the point of suspension from the NFL. Chalk up greatest Olympian ever, and two football greats as marijuana users and abusers. So I guess my parents were right. Pot does hurt your body……wait a minute. Some of the greatest athletes in the world smoke. Is that possible?
Next, a respectable man. President Bill Clinton admitted to smoking pot, he just didn’t inhale it (whatever that means). Add a former president to the list.
Add a few more famous faces to the list of people who have inhaled at one time or another. Actors and comedians: Woody Harrelson, Rodney Dangerfield and Seth Rogen have all smoked cannabis.
Even throw in the elite of society, politicians: former Vice-President and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Al Gore. New York Governor David Paterson, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas have all at one time admitted to smoking weed.
Even the Holy Obama has puff puff passed a few times despite the fact he put it down as, “just something tried in college.” But he Changed.
George W. Bush and Sarah Palin can also be tacked on the marijuana list, but I wouldn’t exactly define them as “successful.”
It really is baffling that so many influential public figures have been tied to pot, yet a real, plausible push for legalization has not appeared.
But really, just look at the physical attributes of the aforementioned athletic figures. Phelps, Vick, and Williams all are in peak physical condition. If people can be successful with marijuana, how can the government morally step in and say “no!” Read between the lines a little bit.
Besides, in the face of a financial crisis a little regulation of some green couldn’t harm anyone. Financially.
The push to legalize herb needs an appealing face to endorse the movement. Instead of condemning his actions, perphaps Phelps should support his actions. Time’s runner up for the person of the year could cash in some quantities of public influence and make a modest attempt succeed with weed. Regulation. Marijuana belongs next to cigarettes and alcohol, not with heroine and cocaine.
This part is to Michael Phelps:
Keep doing what your doing man. You are still the greatest Olympian ever. Keep on stroking..
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