To the Oakland Press
Editors:
In his remarkable letter (9/6/08: Marijuana deadens ethical awareness), Macomb County Circuit Judge Antonio Viviano gives us his judgment that use of marijuana, in any context, is not conducive to morally uplifting behavior. He is entitled to his (ludicrous) opinion. What he is not entitled to—either morally or Constitutionally—is to force others to accept his opinion under penalty of state coercion.
Suppose the judge held that believing in the supernatural Christian God were dangerous to our morals… and a horrible, mind-destructive concept to inflict on children. Would he claim the right to beat you with a club, throw you in jail, or subject you to compulsory atheist “treatment” just because you go to church and worship?
As a judge, Mr. Viviano has sworn to uphold the Constitution. The Bill of Rights is explicit: government may not legislate morality, i.e. it may not set up behavior it regards as “sinful” and prosecute those who sin. No one has the right to enforce his opinions on others.
So, Judge, I appeal to your expressed desire for moral enlightenment: Uphold your oath to defend Constitutional liberty. Quit pointing a gun at our heads and insisting we see things your way, or else. Help bring a prompt end to the exceptionally evil, stupid, and expensive War on Drugs. Recognize that substance abuse problems are best handled thru voluntary systems of family or faith—they are not the province of law enforcement.
Brian Wright
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