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Show Page IS Wednesday, Oct. /7, 2007 Changes: Proposal unconstitutional ^continued from page 14 branches, with jurisdiction over the entire North American continent. The "North American set of rules that modify the three regulatory schemes," as discussed by Pastor, would need to be enforced by a North American government. In order to fully implement the "harmonization" of regulations as envisioned by Pastor, it would be necessary to strip both our national and state governments of the powers we have granted them. When the Constitution was drafted, we, the people, entrusted government with certain limited powers. For our government to surrender those powers to such a continental authority would be a violation of that trust. Once established, a continental government would slowly work to centralize power to itself. More harmonization of regulations would require greater government oversight. Such a government would weaken our Congress, Supreme Court and Executive Branch until they were to become mere figureheads, and our once independent nation would be reduced to nothing more than a shell. As citizens of a new North American state, we would be in the power of a group of unelected, unimpeach- able officials, who would be governing with no Constitutional restraints. The plans of Pastor and his colleagues to create a new "North American Community" are well on their way. However, there is still time to act. Jefferson once stated, "Convinced that the people are the only safe depositories of their own liberty, and that they are not safe unless enlightened to a certain degree, I have looked on our present state of liberty as a short-lived possession unless the mass of the people could be informed to a certain degree." If we follow that wise advice and strive to educate ourselves and others on the path our nation is taking, these plans can be stopped in their tracks. We must act now, before it is too late. Colby Lyons is a senior majoring in law and constitutional studies. Questions and comments can be sent to him at c.lyons@aggiemail.usu.eau. Drugs: Old laws aren't working Hcontinued from page 14 ever, are unfounded. In fact, there is likely to be little or no increase in drug use. For many, the appeal of drugs is their illegality—there is a lure to forbidden fruit. For example, the Dutch government reported a decrease in marijuana use among teens after the drug's legalization. And in the case that it does result in a slight increase of drug use? Let's look to the repeal of alcohol's prohibition: Consumption of beer and wine went up while consumption of hard liquor went down. So while there were more drinkers, there were fewer drunkards. Drug abuse or the use of hard drugs, in other words, would notably decrease. This would certainly be true with marijuana's legalization. Countless people are unnecessarily exposed to hard drugs (like cocaine and heroin) as they are forced to buy marijuana from a criminal and underground market. Proponents of prohibition have also convinced the American public that these drugs are illegal for a reason: They're dangerous. The hard drugs are indeed dangerous, but incalculably more so because of their prohibition. Again, if legalized, their production and use could be regulated. Marijuana's illegality, however, cannot be attributed to its healtn risks, because compared to alcohol and tobacco, both of which are legal, marijuana is incredibly safe. After extensive research, the American Medical Association has concluded that marijuana presents only negligible health risks. It is not an addictive substance, with only a small fraction of users becoming psychologically dependent. Marijuana is much less toxic than alcohol. Heavy drinking damages the brain and liver, increases the risk for several cancers and is responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of people. Marijuana, in contrast, has never caused a medically documented overdose death. And it is roundly acknowledged that marijuana poses little threat to others; it does not incite violence or aggression—quite the opposite, actually. It's time we check the current drug policy into rehab. A "drug free America," while perhaps ideal, is unrealistic. Instead, let's aim to first, curb drug abuse and prohibition-generated crime, and second, establish a reasonable regulatory system for at least some illicit substances. Jon Adams is a junior majoring in political science. Comments and questions can be sent to him at jonadams@cc.usu.edu. ime offer. Nev/ actr.iit>on required. R-lte plan oKc-r requ minimum 1-year agreement. Phone offer requites 2->ea' agreement. Taies and lees no! included. 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