Last week, a media storm erupted when decorated Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps inadvertently outed himself as one of the tens of thousands of successful people who just so happen to have used marijuana in their leisure time.
At the age of 23, Phelps could have been any one of us. According to federal and national surveys, nearly one out of two people have tried marijuana; it is a particularly popular activity among those in Phelps’ age group.
Should America care that arguably the greatest athlete in the world occasionally smokes marijuana? Yes, but perhaps not for the reasons you’re thinking of.
The criminal prohibition of cannabis is depending on the government’s ability to maintain the false stereotype that only certain untoward and unproductive segments of society use pot. Recognizing that the most decorated athlete in the Olympic history tokes is threatening. Not threatening to ‘our children,’ but threatening to the establishment. After all, Michael Phelp’s behavior challenges the entire premise that U.S marijuana prohibition is based upon.
Contrary to how our government describes the cannabis-using community, marijuana smokers come from all areas of life, professions and cultural backgrounds. Phelps is in good company. Our current president, former Vice- President Al Gore, astronomer Carl Sagan, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas — all smoked marijuana, just to name a few. So why are we condemning Michael Phelps when the real target of our animosity should be directed at the senseless marijuana laws that make him a criminal?
According to recent statistics provided by the federal government, nearly 100 million Americans admit having smoked marijuana. Of these, 20 million Americans smoked marijuana during the past year. The vast majority of marijuana smokers, like Michael Phelps, are productive members of society who work hard, raise families, pay taxes and contribute in a positive way to their communities.
Sure, there will be some who will say that this latest episode in Phelp’s life is deserving of condemnation because the 14-time gold medalist is sending a poor message to young children. And what message would that be? That you can occasionally smoke marijuana and still be successful in life. Well, sorry if the truth hurts.
It is unfortunate that this talented young man felt he had to apologize and act like he did something immoral for engaging in an activity that is objectively safer than drinking a beer. Michael Phelps joins the 100 million Americans who have used marijuana. Another might be your neighbor, or your boss or your co-worker. Let’s save our indignation for those who rightly deserve it — not Michael Phelps.
Kelly Maddy is president of Joplin National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
Columns
February 7, 2009
Guest columnist, Kelly Maddy: Let’s save indignation for deserving
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