Rotary Log for March 15, 2018
President Ben led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Al Lantinen followed with a song and Kevin Shultz the 4-Way Test. Past President Butch Ricci voiced the invocation including words for the PHS basketball team now headed for the Division I finals.
John Pratt introduced our newest member, Jess Kellogg. She got a warm welcome from the assembled multitude.
Neil Ouellett announced our annual Joke festival/meeting which will be April 5. Shine up your best materiel and bring it on!
Ted Alex reports that slots for the Rotaplast trip are almost full. Get your name and application in if you are interested. A propos of nothing, he was impressed with our new floor.
The 50/50 raffle AND match ($300) was won by our newest member, Jess! A good omen! She generously handed it back to the club. Seems she has the Rotary spirit already!
Dave Holden then introduced our speaker, Matt Simon, the NE political director for the Marijuana Policy Project.
This national organization, based in Washington, DC, seeks to alter existing marijuana laws. There are three points of action on their agenda. First, allow the use of marijuana for medical conditions. Second, decriminalize the use and/or possession of limited quantities. Finally, change the legal and regulatory environment regarding marijuana.
The organization was founded in 1995 and has been active in most state initiatives and legislation. Interestingly, public opinion has changed dramatically over the years. There has been positive movement, Matt says, because many people now realize that medical benefits have been downplayed. At the same time, potential harmful side effects are exaggerated. Not surprisingly, in 1969, the so-called Age of Aquarius, only 12% of people surveyed approved of legalizing marijuana. Now the number is 64%.
But despite years of prohibition, marijuana is still widely used. Prohibition has only enriched and grown the criminal side.
Currently 29 states permit medical marijuana and only eight allow adult use. Continued work has resulted in a law taking affect in September, signed by Governor Sununu. The legislation reduces the penalty for possession of small amounts from a criminal infraction to a civil fine. So change is coming and we need to remain informed and become part of the process.
Respectfully submitted, Al Lantinen
