My First “Debate”… Didn’t Go As Well As It Could.
Per usual, I had my Twitterfall page open and scrolling as I worked. This time, however, I came across a twitter post that lead me to a debate with Jim Alger (@JimAlger) and a few guest-host voices that I could not readily identify (other than knowing one was named “Mike”).
It was hard to engage fully in the debate due to the quality of the audio (often fading in and out) and the unwillingness of participants to let each other talk (I often found myself having to talk over others, which I do not enjoy).
In the end, before I could refute the various fallacies perpetuated by “Mike” (including the scientifically debunked myth that marijuana causes lung cancer), I was hung up on. I figured I had just been disconnected, so I called back and was informed by the screener that it was intentional due to the “segment being over”. It is a shame that they didn’t feel it prudent to allow me to have any sort of “last comment”, but I suppose this only reflects the casual nature of the show.
Below is my open letter to Mr. Alger:
Mr. Alger,
I enjoyed briefly being able to speak on your show, however, I feel that I, as well as your audience, were not given the respect that this topic deserves. I’m not sure who “Mike” was, as I missed the introductions to your show, however, he is pretty much the epitome of what is wrong with the United States’ policies regarding marijuana.
Studies–released by groups far more versed in this subject than Mike–have concluded that the various fear-mongering myths about marijuana (be it cancer, brain damage, etc.) have shown no correlation, yet alone causation, with marijuana use whatsoever. So to have him sit there and deny their legitimacy while offering nothing more than his personal beliefs regarding the subject is childish at best and malicious at worst.
Are there potential horrible side effects to marijuana? Of course, there is always potential for everything. That fact is, though, that no legitimate study has ever shown the existence of such risks. Of the ones that find something, it is usually a weak correlation that has much to do with the method of the test, rather than the subjects of the test.
If there is science to back up Mike’s claims, I ask him to show it to me. What other substance can you think about that is so hard to find a definitive study to back up a claim of harm? Even water has been proven to be deadly if it lacks sufficient amounts of electrolytes and consumed in large amounts.
We should stop penalizing marijuana based purely on the speculative, irrational fears of people like Mike who are so obsessed with finding fault with things that when they don’t, they latch on to whatever myth promotes their “gut feeling” regardless of its merit.
Marijuana is a safe substance. If you do not agree with this, show me your facts. Otherwise, please stop helping to perpetuate the current demonization of a plant that can literally improve every facet of our lives (be it through clean energy, medicine, or safe recreation) if only it was given the chance.
Sincerely,
Eric
ShowMetheFacts.org
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May 15th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Don’t worry buddy. Only your first debate. You’re doing great work. Keep it up.
May 20th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Don’t let it get you down, I’m impressed with all the time you are spending to get your ideas out there