While reading the editorial about Michael Phelps on Tuesday, I was surprised to see such a negative reaction.
The last line, "the…image of Phelps… will forever be marred by his immature desire to have the best of both worlds," changed my surprise to outrage. Comparing a bong rip to a DUI is irresponsible at best and definitely misleading. One of these things intentionally endangers multiple lives and property; the other is an act that only affects one person and, statistically, has never caused immediate harm. No connection exists between smoking marijuana and taking performance-enhancing supplements in order to obtain an unfair edge over competition at the world's highest level.
I am disappointed in Phelps for how he handled the situation. He should have stood up for his beliefs and used his considerable influence to try to make a positive change in this country.
This was an opportunity for the best athlete on the planet to stand up, admit to using marijuana and be the living proof that pot is less destructive than drinking alcohol or smoking legal tobacco products.
If Michael Phelps can smoke and accomplish what he has, what reasons remain for keeping marijuana illegal?
