An argument for the use of hemp

We grieve for the victims and for the family and friends of the victims of the NIU tragedy. At the same time, we fruitlessly debate the same stale matters with each new firearm slaying in this country: "Why did this happen, who is to blame, and what can we do to stop this from happening in the future?" Sounds like a broken record.

Instead of worrying about whether we should ban firearms, or issue a handgun to every citizen of legal age, why don't we find a middle ground, and then move on to fix the root of our country's problems?

How do we do this? How about by just doing the right thing? That's right, politicians and future politicians. Do what's right for the American people -- not what is right for your campaign.

We need to become more self-sufficient and produce more of the products that we buy and use every day. Essentially, we need to rid our dependence on foreign fossil fuels, and do what is best for the environment, and for our citizens.

So how do we achieve this? We grow hemp, just as farmers were encouraged to do during World War II. One acre of hemp (an annual that can grow over 15 feet high in one growing season) can yield as much fiber as over 4 acres of mature trees. Do some research politicians ("The Emperor Wears No Clothes" is a great source) and start doing what is right for the greater good.

Learn why hemp and all its byproducts (yes, marijuana) was put under prohibition in the late 1930s. You may be surprised to learn that it wasn't about the "demon weed" that was the "assassin of our youth." Because of an unfounded attack on this resource, our nation, and by trickle down effect, most of the planet, suffers because of the continued prohibition of cannabis.

How long are we going to destroy our precious land, poison our air and water, and harm our citizens by cutting down trees, burning fossil fuels, and making it easier for the serotonin-imbalanced or pleasure-seeking population to medicate themselves with dangerous and addictive over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications?

Instead, we could be using only 6 percent of the surface of our country to grow a product that could make us self-sufficient as far as our own energy needs, as well as, provide us with safer medicinal and recreational alternatives.

The NIU tragedy and other gun-related tragedies like it only begin to skim the surface of a much bigger problem that our country, and our planet, will continue to face as the years roll on. Until one day, we will have no choice but to dramatically change our politics, our way of thinking, and our way of consuming.

Why not get smart, American politicians and voters, and start changing this country and world, for the better now, instead of waiting until it may be too late?

David DeVries

Mundelein