2008 Woodie Awards
Celebration of marijuana overshadows tragedy
Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: Staff Reflections
Smokers united Sunday in several locations across the United States. Common meeting places in Colorado include Colorado University at Boulder and Civic City Park in Denver.
April 20 is known as a time where people gather to smoke marijuana, and with so many people gathering in one place, the police have little control. But with tragedies as significant as the Columbine shootings, which also happened on April 20, it leaves one to wonder why this day overshadows a tragedy rather than being a day of remembering.
Years after Columbine happened, it was taboo if you didn't recognize the tragedy. Nowadays it seems as though Columbine is just another entry in our history textbooks just waiting to become a movie in theatres. Will this happen to 9/11 in the future?
April 20 is more popularly known as 4/20, named after the police code for drug use. In Denver, it is legal to have possession of marijuana, but in Boulder it is not. But whether you are for or against the legalization of marijuana, it is important to realize that this is becoming a movement. It's sad to turn on the local news and see a sequence about the celebration of marijuana before the Columbine tragedy anniversary.
Although the celebration of marijuana may overshadow the tragedy at Columbine, at least it is an organized celebration in Colorado. We do not condone smoking weed, but at least CU and city officials in Denver reserve designated places for those who want to smoke marijuana.
Each generation seems to have a trend. Marijuana has played a role in American history for several decades, especially in the '60s. But while some trends fade out, smoking marijuana has only become more popular, especially after legalizing the possession of it in some counties. The only legitimate reason to celebrate marijuana is because of its medicinal purposes.
April 20 is known as a time where people gather to smoke marijuana, and with so many people gathering in one place, the police have little control. But with tragedies as significant as the Columbine shootings, which also happened on April 20, it leaves one to wonder why this day overshadows a tragedy rather than being a day of remembering.
Years after Columbine happened, it was taboo if you didn't recognize the tragedy. Nowadays it seems as though Columbine is just another entry in our history textbooks just waiting to become a movie in theatres. Will this happen to 9/11 in the future?
April 20 is more popularly known as 4/20, named after the police code for drug use. In Denver, it is legal to have possession of marijuana, but in Boulder it is not. But whether you are for or against the legalization of marijuana, it is important to realize that this is becoming a movement. It's sad to turn on the local news and see a sequence about the celebration of marijuana before the Columbine tragedy anniversary.
Although the celebration of marijuana may overshadow the tragedy at Columbine, at least it is an organized celebration in Colorado. We do not condone smoking weed, but at least CU and city officials in Denver reserve designated places for those who want to smoke marijuana.
Each generation seems to have a trend. Marijuana has played a role in American history for several decades, especially in the '60s. But while some trends fade out, smoking marijuana has only become more popular, especially after legalizing the possession of it in some counties. The only legitimate reason to celebrate marijuana is because of its medicinal purposes.
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