That is your assertion. It is the assertion of law enforcement and drug treatment centers alike that nearly 100% of hard drug users started out with marijuana. Marijuana is a relatively inexpensive and readily available drug. It has some medicinal qualities for certain ailments. In that case it is prescribed and used under a doctor's care and supervision. Otherwise, it is an illegal stair step narcotic. As far as alcohol goes, that being a "legal drug", give us your opinion as to why there is a line drawn determining at what age it is legal and at what age it is not legal to consume alcohol.
This probably falls more under back room content but, I guess I'm a bit on the fence as well about the use of marijuana. On one hand, it CAN be a stepping stone to hard, illegal drugs but, on the other hand, so can smoking a cigarette or drinking alcohol. I feel like there is an enormous amount of hypocrisy regarding the alcohol/drug argument expressed by people who know nothing about either and by the government who makes a sizable amount of money taxing one but can't tax the other. Also, it has been asserted by many people, Tom, that the sell of marijuana actually is more of a stepping stone for dealers than it is for users. Many big drug operations get their start by selling a few bags of the green stuff and end up selling heroin and other hard drugs. The theory is that if you put marijuana under governmental control, the "legs" would be cut from a lot of drug operations and the negative things that go along with them like murders, drug dependence etc. Marijuana is, in fact, different than a lot of drugs including cocaine. There is no aspect of PHYSICAL dependence with marijuana. There is, however, an immense amount of MENTAL dependence. Also, the negative physical effects of marijuana according to most sources cannot be verified. Certainly, it impairs people's motivation and possibly their grip on reality and probably would have long-term effects on your health similar to tobacco smoking. I thought this was an interesting read and worth the time if you're interested. I'm certainly not advocating the use of marijuana or its legalization but it is by no means in the same class as many other drugs including cocaine. Some would even argue that it is much less harmful than drinking alcohol and unless you've done both you can't say that's not true. http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/RaiseKids/WhatIfWeLegalizedAllDrugs.aspx
So correct me if I'm wrong here Dave. Until corrected by Bill, you were saying that Henry had character issues so bad that Florida would not recruit him. Now, if any university gave him a chance, it would be either because they wanted his services, wanted to help him be a success, or a little of both. We must be in agreement on that statement. For you to take a chance on this person with "obvious character flaws", there is only one reason for that selection. You wanted his services and his "character flaws" were irrelevant. When he let you down, you want to act like you had no warning that this could be the case. If you want to be peeved at anyone, be peeved at yourself. You chastised Tennessee during the recruiting process and while he was there at Tennessee. You then turn around and "recruit" him yourself. What do you call that, Dave?
I should have added a smiley on the FF comment because you didn't get the subtle irony and humor intended. I didn't specifically say that Henry was told by Florida that it was his character and not his grades that were an issue with Florida admissions but after all these other character traits about Henry come to light you have wonder what was known about the young man at the time of his recruiting. Here is how I put it: Maybe those negatives were just grades and grades alone but I don't profess to know either way.