Gettin' High to Fly

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Compressed Airhead said:
Man, what a depressing thread. There are just some things that are bad for society. Drugs kill people. They ruin lives. Anyone who says otherwise is totally kidding themselves. You can bet if I saw some low life smoking pot in line, they'd leave the park in handcuffs. It's the responsible thing to do.
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Joshua Wilcox
"The sum of the intelligence on the planet is a constant. However, the population is growing"

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Maybe you should smoke a joint and chill out. :)

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2Hostyl said:
But Chi, while on the surface it seems like an extreme risk, it really isnt. One: as pointed out, the majority of citizens wont trick to security. And even if they do, it's rather simple to get rid of a small amount of weed (just eat it, you'll still get a little high anyway). Furthermore, most police officers dont want to spend all the time on paperwork and what not for a small amount of cannibis. I've actually heard of cops directing a pot smoker to eat the weed instead of confiscating it and arresting them.
But then again, I dont see it as a big deal anyway.
lata,
jeremy
--America is quite 'repressed' for a so-called 'liberal' nation

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Jeremy. You are probably correct but why risk it? Not every cop is going to turn their back on it. Its just a risk that I dont think is worth attempting. If anything, get your hand stamped and go smoke it off somewhere thats not noticable. After you get the high that you want, then return to the park. I myself havent touched my lips on a joint in probably about 9 years but I still wouldnt take the risk of smoking it in front of thousands of people. Just my 2 cents.

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"The Peoples Elbow" or "The Spinaroonie?. Cant decide which is the most electrifying move in sports entertainment!!! LOL

Although I'm not against pot smoking, I am VERY much against it being done in the presence of kids or anyone who is offended by it, just like cigarette smoking. I know that CP Security WILL escort someone out of the park if caught smoking pot because it happened to a friend, who was "sneaking" it in the dark on frontier trail an hour before closing. Admittedly, security didn't confiscate it, nor turn him into police. Guess the guard had his share of pot smoking in his past as well.

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I'd rather die living than live like I'm dead

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Chitown said:
"Jeremy. You are probably correct but why risk it?"

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'Cause people are really stupid! No seriously, *that's* the answer. I mean, the smell of weed is so drastically different from anything else, *someone* is bound to notice. The druggie is just betting that no one will care.

And Compressed Airhead, I can appreciate your position based on your age. But I would be suprised if you maintained that 'hardline' approach as your experiences increase. And 'honestly' alcohol abusers cause WAY more societal problems than pot heads. Most of the time they just want to laugh at everything, eat, then go to sleep (sounds like a lot of enthusiasts I know ;))
jeremy
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"Nobody writes about the planes that land." Steve Salerno Washington Times 7-10-01

With all the effort this nation has to put toward fighting terrorism, it seems to me that a war on violent behavior has a lot more long-term potential for the good of society than a war on drugs.  That being said, NEVER do drugs in front of strangers OR kids.  But seriously, a wise concept of drug use as a health issue rather than a criminal justice issue would go a long way toward reducing the harm done to society by theuse/abuse of drugs.  Additionally, we need to take a long look at the harm done to society by the use of alcohol AND tobacco, and we need to understand the nature of the difference between marijuana and Cocaine/IV drugs...then we can get on to creating a SENSIBLE drug policy. 

Legalization of hemp (NOT a drug) and a HEAVY dose of taxation could put the tobacco states back on a decent footing economically.  It would give the federal gov't the money to fight the terrorists, AND provide a renewable resource for paper, hempseed oil, and vegetable protein (but the meat question is another issue altogether...).

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rollergator - intent on improving the "guest experience" - coming soon to a park near you

I can't quite fathom how anyone with half a brain would want to put any of that sh** in your body. It's poison, all of it. And I'm so sick of the "just having a good time" BS. It's funny how most people are able to have a good time without it. It kills me to see kids, especially girls (they're supposed to be the right-minded ones) doing all of this stuff too. Parents need to do their job and keep their kids away from this crap. Unfortunately, it's usually the parents that are doing it.
Sorry, I got a little off of the subject. Now you know how I feel about the whole situation.
BTW, I can't stand people who smoke in line either. It's a total lack of RESPECT for others. But, that's your typical smoker.

Smoking pot is fine with me but, with little kids around ,now thats just wrong!!! REFER N ROLLERCOASTERS not a bad mix????? A little R&R never hurt anybody???

I am embarrassed to say that I had friends stupic enough to spark up on Main Street Disneyland. The bobby hatted guards popped out of a bush and escorted them straight out. Didn't call the cops though.

All that aside, I must throw in a "hear hear" to RollerGator's comments. Aboslutely!

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Yeeee Haaawwww!

Hear hear to rollergator from me as well...

Concerning Compressed Airhead's reference to pot smokers as low-lifes.... I've worked at companies loaded with talented, succesful professionals and I'd estimate that at least 85% of the people there smoked pot regularly.

Smoking pot does not mean a person has no morals or values, or the ability to live their lives fully. Marijuana has been smoked for centuries, were all those people low lifes?

Aside from the fact that this occured in a coaster line, strange that this political discussion is going on at coasterbuzz!

I think this is the most interesting discussion coasterbuzz has seen in awhile.

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2Hostyl said:

...And 'honestly' alcohol abusers cause WAY more societal problems than pot heads. Most of the time they just want to laugh at everything, eat, then go to sleep...

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That is perhaps the most intelligent thing I've ever seen written on these forums. I couldn't agree more. The "War On Drugs" is a total farce. Why are some drugs perfectly legal (nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, aspirin) but others are considered "bad" (marijuana, etc.)
The ugly truth is that the drugs in the first group will kill you just as fast (if not faster) than some illegal ones will.

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2Hostyl said:
"And Compressed Airhead, I can appreciate your position based on your age. But I would be suprised if you maintained that 'hardline' approach as your experiences increase"

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So basically you are saying that as we get older, we naturally throw away our beliefs? Sorry, I don't buy that. I go to a Christian school. Unfortunately, we have some drug problems. About a dozen kids have been expelled in recent years for drug abuse. Before messing with drugs, they were really great and promising kids. Some were good friends. I watched them just fall apart. Physically, emotionally, spiritually. And please, don't bring in the age thing here. That has no bearing on my intelligence or experience. I don't care if I'm 16 or 106. I will not forget what drugs do to people's lives. It doesn't take an "experienced" adult to know the truth. Drugs ruin everything. There are no exceptions. You might not even see an outward problem with people you know use drugs. But I dare you to ask anybody who has used drugs, then tried to stop, what they were really feeling. I have. That's why this is such a touchy subject for me. And Buzzo, I really, really hope you were joking. My sig never seemed more appropriate...

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Joshua Wilcox
"The sum of the intelligence on the planet is a constant. However, the population is growing"

Joshua, I am certainly not saying that you will "throw away" your beliefs.  I AM saying however, that as you get older, those beliefs are seen from a different perspective, one that takes into account others' beliefs, ideals, etc.  Certain classes of drugs are deemed inappropriate for use to the degree that ALL use is termed "abuse", while others (alcohol and tobacco, for starters) are accepted to the point where you MIGHT even say that society "condones" their consumption.  I am NOT saying that your beliefs are wrong, misguided, or anything of the sort.  I AM saying however, that "what might be right for you, may not be right for some"...and if I can work a line from Diff'rent Strokes into the conversation, we've definitely drifted WAY off topic.  I do not propose that everyone "light up" every chance they get, but I DO believe in the ideal of some buzzers' signature that quotes from the Talmud (I am paraphrasing as I am not familiar with the text):  "What is hateful to you, do not do to another; that is the entire law, the rest is commentary"...the Golden Rule ALWAYS applies throughout life.   Thanks to the buzzer with that sig - I always enjoy an open mind combined with an open heart!
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rollergator - intent on improving the "guest experience" - coming soon to a park near you

"What might be right for you, may not be right for some"

I really don't understand how drugs can be a good thing for some people. Honestly, please tell me what you mean because I don't get it. Also, the meaning of the golden rule is being used out of context. It isn't used to stop people from sharing what's on their heart. It is used to make people consider their actions. The golden rule has nothing to do with tolerance or different strokes.

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Joshua Wilcox
"The sum of the intelligence on the planet is a constant. However, the population is growing"

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Compressed Airhead said:
I really don't understand how drugs can be a good thing for some people.

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I don't want to take this TOO far down an off-topic road, but pot DOES arguably have medicinal value. A relative of mine had cancer, and the chemo was making them VERY ill. In situations like that, "medical marijuana" CAN have a place (and yes, this relative DID receive pot, and it DID help relieve the illness associated with the chemo).

That said, there's a big difference between using small amounts of marijuana to relieve nausea from nasty chemicals, to lighting up in a public, family area... (to put this back on topic ;) )

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--Greg
"Beat the rush, sign up for your post-Mean Streak MRI now..."
My page  My other page  And my coaster page

*** This post was edited by GregLeg on 10/31/2001. ***

Contrary to what many believe, Drugs do not always ruin peoples. There are so mant respectable and important people who do drugs and still are able to succeed in life. Weed and lots of party drugs such as E if used only moderately will not ruin someone chances in succeeding in life. Weed can help people to relax and enjoy life, and it even his some medicinal purposes. But everyone is entitled to their own opinions, I just do not like to hear the same brain washed message of Drugs are bad, they ruin your life. As we get older we begin to question our societies values and rules. You learn and gain knowledge from your own experiences, and from there you can form your own thoughts. I guess that is why lots of people "experiment " with drugs, so as to form their own ideas about the usage of drugs. Also, as 2Hostly stated, drunkards are usually more of a problem than other illegal drugs. Alcohol is very addictive will weed is not. Alcohol gets most people to act rowdy and loud, while certain weed and especially opium really mellows you. Alcohol impairs your driving even more than some illegal drus, yet alcohol is an accepted drug. while, i do not think Alcohol should be illegal, i just think there should be restriction about the quanity of alcohol at sporting event and concerts. IMO drug abuse such as overdose would be cut down if some of the less hardcore drugs such as weed were legal. A lot of the overdosing is from teenagers, who might get the notion that they have to be crazy and do as much drugs as possible to be cool.  If drugs weren't so taboo than many teenagers would feel that they lose their cool factor and hopefully foolish abuse of drugs by teens would be depleted.

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Compressed Airhead said:

The golden rule has nothing to do with tolerance or different strokes.

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I must disagree here.  Treating others as I would like to be treated has EVERYTHING to do with tolerance of others values, beliefs, and ideals.  I certainly would hate to live in a society where there was one SOLE source for determining right from wrong, and whereas MY beliefs should guide me through MY life, I do not think for a second that my beliefs should guide YOU through your life.  In the absence of harm to others, matters such as religion, drugs, sexuality, etc., are best left to the individual to decide what is right for them.  Where harm to others IS involved, then it is up to society to prevent/punish AS APPROPRIATE, and in proportion to the amount of harm done....In the instance of the use of marijuana at a theme park, confiscation AND eviction from the park would be appropriate IMO, but for it to be ILLEGAL to use pot in your OWN HOME is ridiculous considering that bars are legal.  (A liquor store allows you to purchase alcohol and take it home for consumption, whereas a bar basically encourages its patrons to drink and then DRIVE home)...where IS the greater harm?

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Son of Drop Zone - PKI CoasterCamp I Champions!!!

Burning in line is not cool. It gives us pot smokers a bad image and really hurts the whole legalization movement. We need to show the misinformed that we are  responsible, freedom loving adults, who care about other peoples rights as much as are own.

 I could go on and on about this silly "drug war " but I'll just drop some quick  facts...Over 40,000 U.S. deaths last year from alcohol . Thats more deaths than ALL  illegal drugs combined... Total deaths the last 100 years due to pot use..0..No other "drug" has been so safe to use..not even aspirin can claim to have 0 deaths. 
 
If you want to know what our friends to the north think about this, check this out....www.pottv.com. They call us "DEA land".

*** This post was edited by ToofastGM3@aol.com on 10/31/2001. ***

Gatorwoodie said, "Legalization of hemp (NOT a drug) and a HEAVY dose of taxation could put the tobacco states back on a decent footing economically. It would give the federal gov't the money to fight the terrorists, AND provide a renewable resource for paper, hempseed oil, and vegetable protein (but the meat question is another issue altogether...)."

Faster-Faster said, "Concerning Compressed Airhead's reference to pot smokers as low-lifes.... I've worked at companies loaded with talented, succesful professionals and I'd estimate that at least 85% of the people there smoked pot regularly.
Smoking pot does not mean a person has no morals or values, or the ability to live their lives fully. Marijuana has been smoked for centuries, were all those people low lifes?"

There are so many good posts that I don't want to rehash them all. 2Hostyl and Lord Gonchar posted some great points too. I just want to throw in my thoughts.
Why our government doesn't legalize it is beyond me. I agree that there are alot more important things the government should be worried about than marijuana, and it would just help the economy. Shift those DEA agents to security at airports, and post offices where it's needed more.
I do not agree with smoking it in line waiting for  a rollercoaster. When I go to parks I always take my son, and I wouldn't want him to have to deal with that. You have to responsible about your use.
My son is 10. Even at his age he knows what pot is from the visits from Officer friendly, and other awareness programs at school. They make pot out to be a horrible drug that will only lead to harder drugs. Of the people I know it is quite the opposite.
 I have seen more people hit rock bottom because of alcohol than any other drug(Don't know many people that do harder drugs,) and of course its the legal one. I know more people that have gotten DUI or DWI's more than getting arrested for marijuana use.
The reason they don't legalize it is because it supports the criminal justice system way too much, and I don't even really want to talk about that subject. I could go on and on forever about it.
I guess I'll stop there for now and read the other opinions....;)

*** This post was edited by Coaster Fantom on 10/31/2001. ***

C-Air:
I wont say that you *will* throw away your belief system. But as I stated, I'd be suprised if you didnt start to see more 'grey areas'.

Yes, some people do drugs and it conpletely wrecks their lives. On the other hand, some people have very productive lives even AFTER trying drugs. For example, our most recent former President Clinton tried pot. Our current President Bush had problems with alcohol. If you can do those and become PRESIDENT of the USA, then I think that is good proof that drugs wont *necessarrily* ruin your life.

And BTW, the fact that you go to a Christian school means very little to me. Some of the worse people I knew went to Christian schools (self inculded).

And, unlike you, I need not speak to anyone about drug use as I the personal experience myself. I used to smoke. I gave it up. My life wasnt/isnt ruined. If you *really* believe that the moment someone becomes involved with drugs their life goes in the toilet, well that alone tells me that you do not have a well-rounded foundation of experiences with the subject.

Everybody likes to think that they know what's going on. But some times we all have to defer to others who are more well versed in the subject matter. I can empathize with you on drugs affecting the lives of loved ones (more than I care to admitt on this website). But I can also admitt that that is not always the case.

But if you feel *that* strongly that your viewpoint will never change, far be it from me to attempt to change your mind. I'd just like to have this same conversation in 2005, after you've had a few years in college and are able to legally buy alcohol. I wish you nothing but luck.
lata,
jeremy
--who had his first taste of alcohol at five