OK, I’ll say it.
The greatest swimmer in the history of the world smokes pot. And he’s still the greatest swimmer in the history of the world.
Do you think this will cause anyone to rethink the whole “illegal” and “dangerous” pot thing that we’re doing right now? Might it really be that, like with alcohol and tobacco, it comes down to personal responsibility? Just maybe?
Michael Phelps isn’t some lazy, heroine-addicted criminal. He’s one of the most disciplined men in the world, and the greatest swimmer of all time. And he smokes pot.
Put that bag of trans-fat-full chips down, step away from the TV, do a few laps in the pool, and then decide whether you want to stay on the moral high horse.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hmm. Couldn’t agree more about the TV and the chips and swimming laps. But are those argument for pot?
No, they’re not – but unless we’re prepared to criminalize the chips (which, actually, some places are doing), then I think it’s an argument for decriminalization of pot.
I doubt I’d ever smoke the stuff, but I don’t think the current U.S. stance towards pot in specific or drugs in general is a helpful one.
I did smoke it. It’s worse than potato chips, believe me. Television is another apples/oranges comparison.
It’s a both/and thing. The “war on drugs” has reduced usage from what it would be otherwise, but a without demand side “war” it is pointless. False dichotomies abound, e.g., the movie “Traffic”.
As G. K. Chesterton wisely suggested, it’s a good idea to ask why a fence was put up before you tear it down.
I guess I have a lot in common with Phelps: lazy and heroine-addicted. Hmmm… Leela, Boadicea, Buffy, Cordelia, Xena, Wonder Woman. I can quit any time I like but I choose not to.
As an Australian I have more of an issue with your ‘greatest swimmer in the history of the world’ tripe. If Ian Thorpe still chose to swim you wouldn’t have heard of Phelps. He would have whipped his bong-hitting butt all over the pool.
I have my own opinion about the physical effects of pot but I’m sure it will be hazardous to Phelp’s sponsorship future.
All this typing has tired me out so I’ll waddle back to the couch. Oprah and Smith’s Chips make a great combination (actually I don’t normally watch Oprah but the remote’s on the other lounge).
If Ian Thorpe still chose to swim you wouldn’t have heard of Phelps.
Yeah, all he’d have to do is jump in before everybody else and he’d win. He’s good at that.