Page 4 -The Michigan Daily - Monday, February 19, 1990
EDITED AND MANAGED BY STUDENTS
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
420 Maynard Street
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
IssuesForum
The
$5
Pot
Law
ARTS
NEWS
OPINION
763 0379
764 0552
747 2814
PHOTO
SPORTS
WEEKEND
764 0552
747 3336
747 4630
Unsigned editorials represent a majority of the Daily's Editorial Board. All other cartoons,
signed articles, and letters do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Daily.
Code.
Students must unite to fight the administration
THE DECADES-LONG PUSH BY
the University administration to insti-
tute a comprehensive code of student
non-academic conduct is once again
gaining momentum, and it is important
for students to understand the dangers
of such a policy. Members of the ad
ministration argue that a documentt
governing students' behavir is esse-
tial to protecting the bights of all stu
dents; essentially, however, such a
code would do moie to lirnt the rights
of students than to protect them.
Proponents of a code have argued
that students who break the law, for
example by burning down a building,
should be expelled from the Unive-
sity, and a conduct policy would enable
this to happen. But what these advo-
cates ignore is the already-existing
court system, in which the University
can prosecute illegal activity perpetrated
by students. Rather than utilizing the
established courts, a conduct code
would allow the University to act as
prosecutor, judge and jury, thereby ig-
noring any due process and forcing
students to stand trial twice for the
same crime. There is no need to set up
a separate court system when one al-
ready exists.
A code could also be used by the
administration to stifle political expres-
sion, including protests or rallies on the
Diag and demonstrations in front of the
Fleming Administration Building. Un-
der the guise of protecting academic
pursuits, a conduct code would em-
power the University administration to
sanction students for exercising their
First Amendment rights.
Despite objections to the contrary,
the only reason to institute such a pol-
icy is to limit free expression beyond
the boundaries dictated by the U.S.
judicial system. Crimes such as arson,
Nicaragua
U.S. pl y thr eale i snle
THE POSSIBILIY OF FiREE iANDL
:fair elections in Nicaragua this Suay
is beset with enormous obstacs.
Contrary to reports in the corporate
media, the main problem is not the risk
that the ruling Sandinista party might
abuse the powers of incumbency;
:rather, the real threat to the integrity of
the electoral process comes from
United States interference.
To begin with, it is embarrassing
that the U.S. Congress has appiopn
ated $12.5 million to opposition parties
in Nicaragua---owr own fedeal law
prohibits foreign contributios to pa
ties in the United States. But even irie
important is the question of whetii
fair elections can be held under the
threat of war and economic extortion.
President Bush has already said he
would lift the embargo against
Nicaragua and end the contra war i the
:U.S.-backed candidate Violeta Barrios
de Chamorro wins the election.
;Although one would never know it
from reading the newspapers in te
United States, it is quite likely that this
factor more than any other will bring
votes to Chamorro and her UNO coali-
tion.
It's hard to blame someone who has
lost family members to the eight-year
conflict, or is suffering from the depri-
vation brought on by the U.S. embargo
and war, for voting against the Sandin-
istas. It is true the Sandinistas achieved
remarkable successes in the first few
years after the 1979 revolution.
Suspend Copeland
To the Daily:
In response to the editorial (2/13/90), I
agree that Todd Copeland should be sus-
pended from play for the remainder of the
murder or rape will all be punished
within the court system so there is no
reason for the University to establish
its own court. And because free speech
and political expression are protected
by the Constitution, the University's
motive for establishing a code must
only be to limit free and open dis-
course:
A conduct code is not a new idea.
ihe University of Michigan is one of
only a handful of schools without a
policy governing the non-academic
conduct of its students. The debate
over a conduct code has raged on cam-
pus for 20 years, and only the persis-
tent opposition by a united group of
students has protected students' non-
academic freedoms.
Two weeks ago, the Michigan Stu-
dent Assembly recognized the need for
students to band together to oppose the
administration's attempts and formed a
special committee to organize students
against the implementation of a conduct
codePresident James Duderstadt and
inembers of the Board of Regents have
recently reaffirmed their commitment to
approving a policy on students' behav-
ior and MSA has correctly reacted to
thc imninent threat of an all-encom-
passing conduct code. In the past, only
a unified student opposition has staved
off such a policy.
in order to resist an administrative
attempt to implement a conduct code,
students must understand the inherent
dangers of a behavioral policy. The
discussion of a conduct code will likely
become a focus of debate on campus in
upcoming months. It is important that
students are aware of the dangers of
such a code, and that they unite to op-
pose the implementation of such a pol-
icy.
it4y o ele wtoral process
Nvicaagua s econorny showed the
higli.st.rate of growth in Central
Anerca, while inflation was brought
under cuntiol. the Nicaraguan gov-
ciniiint won awards from the United
Natons for its improvements in the lit-
er acy and health care of the poor.
But by 1983, Reagan's campaign of
terror and sabotage had begun to take
away some of the gains that had been
made. and today the standard of living
lo inany, i not most Nicaraguans, has
been tailing loi seveial years.
usn is hoping that UNO can capi-
taLnze on the sulleing that U.S. policy
has w iought by blaming it on the San-
dinistas. So tar. most polls show
Nicaaguans are more sophisticated
thaii this, and the Sandinistas are
anead As for the Bush administra-
tion s attitude toward the elections, it is
c-'"iiig cleati that the process will be
wgdaletd as fair only if the Sandinistas
lose. Ifthey wie; Americans can expect
a barrage o disialfuimation designed to
justify continuation of the contra war
and embargo.
These events continue a long tradi-
tion of U.S. subversion of democratic
elections going back to the Italian and
French elections of 1948 and continu-
ing through the past four decades in
Latin America and elsewhere. Now that
the Soviet Union has agreed to respect
democratic elections in its part of the
world, maybe it's time that the United
States government does the same.
Voteon April 2nd,i
V ote yes..
yes...residents will v
By Scott Chupack referendum to
I've heard several arguments in favor of legalizing marijuana.
These arguments affirm that legalization would cut off the black $5 fine for pos
market, stop the drug wars, allow the government to test marijuana marijuana to $;
for contaminants, and give Americans the right to smoke marijuana.
Unfortunately, a $5 pot law leads to the same problems inherent in you think?
legalization, but ignores the advantages.
Although many of those who grow and sell marijuana are V t
relatively "clean" citizens, the penalties for selling drugs are much o te n o .
more serious than $5, meaning that outside of this university, many
of the students that deal drugs would be considered criminals. By Brian Jarvinen
In addition, a low fine on marijuana still does not give anyone the On April 2nd the citizens of A
"right" to smoke it, anymore than they have the "right" to park at an for possession of marijuana will
expired meter. This only encourages citizens to break the law. As a Let me begin by saying that it is g
result, this law only exists as a sign to the federal legislature to are an increasingly controversial
consider legalization, but doesn't stand on very firm ground on its of Ann Arbor should be allowed
own. The Ann Arbor Observer pr
The previously mentioned problems didn't change when the pot when it noted in the January 1
law was reduced, and there is no reason to believe they will get worse reluctant effort to raise the $5 m
with an increased fine. The advantages of increasing the fine are excitement. That's probably bec
more significant. have the slightest effecton Ann A
NORML (the National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws) of the city charter, becomes pur
would have you believe that raising the pot fine would not decrease What does marijuana represe
usage and perhaps would increase usage because there would be say it is one of thedrugs we arecu
more adventure in it. As for increasing usage, NORML's argument marijuana is seen asa"gateway"t
may be possible if the issue were legalization, but it's unlikely. After as cocaine. To those in favor,
all, who in their right mind would be more likely to commit a crime tolerates drug use - that drug u
now that the fine has increased? Nationally, marijuana is oft
Illustration by Kevin Woodson
As for the second argument, I grant that raising the fine would happens to not have any pot o
have little or no effecton those who smoke now. The major effect, dealer might have some other d
however, would be on new users, like those just entering the Selling marijuana is still a felon
University. A pot fine so ridiculously low gives the message to new $25 pot law.
students that not only do the University of Michigan and the City of Marijuana is, as Drug Enfor
Ann Arbor tolerate marijuana usage, they endorse it. tive Judge Francis Lawn has sail
Finally, most students, when considering this policy, ignore the active substances known to man.
fact that not only does this law apply to them, it applies to all of Ann people die as a result of smoking
Arbor, specifically the students of the Ann Arbor Public Schools. this. Once someone tries mariju
Imagine going through high school in an environment in which you government leads them to belie
could get "busted big time" for having alcohol ataparty, butonly get government warnings against t
a $5 ticket if you were smoking pot. In fact, the only ill-effect of
Although most University of Michigan students would probably Drug-Free America can find to a
say they are intelligent enough to weigh the costs and benefits of under the influence of marijuana
smoking marijuana in a rational manner, the average Ann Arbor high their "And they say marijuana d
school, middle school, and even elementary school student is much ignores the thousands of deaths
more susceptible to peer pressure. But since most of these students which illustrates the legality of
care about their record and in obeying the law, a hard-line approach what people do while under the
to marijuana would give them the motivation to avoid peer pressure. By that logic alone, alcohol
Most supporters of the $5 law are convinced that smoking pot is thing America has already trie
not all that bad. Since I wasn't sure of the effects myself, I did some tragic accident, marijuana serve
research and found out quite a bit. First of all, according to a ing managerial failures that all
University of California study, one marijuana cigarette produces 5 could operate the train after us
times the carbon monoxide of a nicotine cigarette. That's the punished or fired.
poisonous carcinogen that harms the smoker and those around who A similar instance of using
are forced to breathe in the air. This means that even the casual incidents occurred last spring he
marijuana smoker is in greater danger than a regular cigarette two "basketball riots" was bla
smoker. Marijuana has also been shown to negatively affect the Bash 12 hours earlier. Anyon
growth of adolescents, both physically and sexually. problems were not caused by p
Smoking among young people tends to interfere with all aspects Yes, the $5 pot law is a s
of the learning process and also interferes with social development. recognizes the relative safety of
Smoking pot can also have permanent effects on the fetuses of preg- and that our city will not waste
nant women, and women who do smoke pot are 4 times as likely to less marijuana users. Even May
have a stillbirth. Marijuana impairs driving ability, even though the that alcohol, which along with c
person doesn't realize it. It causes heart damage, lung damage, and of death in this country, is the m
causes cancer. want to continue to support hyp
like nicotine and alcohol to be w
Finally, surveys show that regular marijuana users are more while the "safest" drug is illegal
likely to experiment with other, more dangerous drugs. I strongly fines.
suggest that those who smoke marijuana do at least a little research
before they conclude that marijuana isn't all that serious. If this bill passes you will pr
If, on April 2nd, you are only interested in making a symbolic further penalize marijuana us
vote for mock legalization, then by all means, vote no on raising the continue tobe de-emphasizeda
pot fine. If, however, you are interested in making a rational policy raising the $5 fine for cannabis
decision based on a true cost-benefit analysis, I urge you to vote yes. Arbor's uniquely enlightenedp
Chupack is a first year engineering student. Jarvinen is an LSA iunior and
%nn Arbor
vote on a
raise the city's
session of
25. What do
..
knn Arbor will decide if the penalty
be raised from the current $5 to $25.
food that this vote will occur. Drugs
issue in our society and the citizens
d to decide this for themselves.
obably best summarized this issue
990 issue that "Mayor Jernigan's
irijuana fine isn't generating much-
ause changing the law isn't likely to
krbor's drug use." Thus the law, part'
ely symbolic.
t? Those in favor of raising the fine
rrentlyatwaragainst. Additionally
tousing more dangerous drugs such.
the $5 fine says that Ann Arbor
ise will not be punished severely.
en placed in the same category as
other illegal drugs. People using
any illegal drug are stigmatized
and discriminated against, usu-
ally withoutregard to which drug"
they might use.
Regarding the gateway issue,
it is probably true that marijuana
is the first illegal drug that many,
people use. However, I think it is
rarely the first drug that teen-:
agers experiment with. Sur-
rounded by advertising and a
culture that glorifies their use,
alcohol and cigarettes are the
drugs most teenagers discover
before trying marijuana. Many
users of the so-called "harder'
drugs only come into contact with
them because some marijuana
dealers also provide other drugs.
Say a particular drug dealer
0
n a particular day. Many times the
rugs the customer could try instead,
y and will not be affected by a $5 or
cement Agency Chief Administra-
d, "one of the safest therapeutically
." There is no lethal dosage; very few
marijuana. Most pot smokers know
ana and finds it to be safer than the
ve, how credible will that user find
he other illegal drugs?
marijuana that the Partnership for a
ttack are accidents caused by people
a, such as the train wreck featured in
doesn't kill"ad. Yet this completely
caused by drunk drivers each year,
a substance will have no bearing on
effects of that substance.
should obviously be illegal, some-
ed. Additionally, in the case of the
s as a convenient scapegoat, obscur-
owed the train engineer to think he
ing cannabis without fear of being
marijuana to account for unwanted
ere in Ann Arbor when the first of the
med on people attending the Hash
e who was there could see that the
eople who had been smoking pot. ;
ymbol. To me, it says Ann Arbor
marijuana compared to other drugs,
precious resources harassing harmi
or Jernigan admitted in the Observer
igarettes is one of the leading causes
ost abused drug in Ann Arbor. If yob
ocritical laws that allow deadly drugg
videly advertised and easily availablq
, by all means vote to raise marijuan4
0
0
robably soon have the opportunity to
ers. If you'd rather see marijuana
s aproblem locally, please vote no on
possession, and help maintain Ann
position in the War on Drugs.
a member of the Daily's Arts staff.
Michigan hockey.
Obviously, Copeland is not a team
player. Copeland didn't think about the
team before he acted. He didn't consider
what his off-ice antics could do for the im-
age of the team, If Copeland can't conform
to acceptable team behavior, then he
Pro-choice does not
mean pro-abortion
To the Daily:
I would like to point out a gross mis-
.......,. ..- 6 6- ..0 - T t. a -L 1 -
procedure which should be encouraged.
However, nobody likes abortion. On the
other hand, the term pro-choice means that
a person supports a woman's right to
choose to have an abortion if she feels it
is her best option. Liz Pearlson
LSA senior
Silber conceded, he was Preserver of the
Republic. It is true that Lincoln did not
follow the Constitution strictly, but con-
sidering the upheaval at the time, a
quicker, more decisive President helped
avoid even more tragic losses.