Thoughts on two issues:
• Gun control: I believe in the 2nd amendment and also have a concealed carry permit. In today’s society you just never know. I believe I have a right and a responsibility to protect myself and my family or others that are in immediate and grave peril.
This brings me here. According to a recent FBI study, it is not a pistol or assault rifle or shotgun that is the weapon of choice in murders. It is the common household hammer or baseball bat by a margin of 323 to 496. I do not recall any political official wanting to ban Stanley tools from selling hammers or Louisville Slugger being banned from selling baseball bats.
• Medical Marijuana: Saying that pot is a gateway drug to more potent drugs such as crack, heroin, etc. is like saying that if you start drinking with 3.2 percent beer you will go on to 6 percent beer then on to wine then on to vodka or whiskey. It just isn’t true with the majority of people.
As for pot, unlike our past president who claimed he tried it but didn’t inhale, (yeah, right) I have and I did. And I did not go on to cocaine or heroin or whatever it is drug addicts use nowadays, just as the vast majority of people do not go on to harder drugs. In my 62 years I have witnessed people from all walks of life both professional and common everyday people, family and friends who have at one time or another tried pot and not one went on to harder drugs.
Pot has proven medical benefits for acute pain. Can we at least pass legalization for those in pain who would benefit from medical marijuana?
This is 2016, times change, traditions change. Do not get trapped in old and antiquated laws and regulations.
Rick Burgbacher, Kenton
Kenton OH
