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The War on Phelps

By W. James Antle, III on 2.3.09 @ 3:38PM

The sheriff of Richland County may charge Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps if he can find evidence that the swimmer smoked marijuana under his jursdiction. One could see this as a brave stand for law and order, without regard to fame or station. From my perspective, it is just another example of the waste and pointlessness of much of what goes on in the name of the War on Drugs. Asks Bill Anderson, "What is worse, an athlete smoking pot or a sheriff arresting people so he can get publicity?"

View all comments (10) | Leave a comment

Crusader| 2.3.09 @ 4:08PM

Why do people hate cops again?

ruth| 2.3.09 @ 4:25PM

Phelps, learn a little discretion. Geez. This cop is a tool.

Tom| 2.3.09 @ 4:53PM

It definitely seems like there's no case here since it's only a photo; he could be smoking anything.

This just goes to show how much of a distraction from real public safety police work this whole "war on drugs" is, even when it's just rhetorical.

That's why there's an emerging group of cops, judges, prosecutors and others who fought on the front lines of the "war on drugs" and learned tat it is harmful. Any citizen can join the ranks and stand up along side the law enforcers at http://www.CopsSayLegalizeDrugs.com

jeff| 2.3.09 @ 5:48PM

comon people, its the 21st century - its just a harmless plant - in fact u can die from drinking too much water than u can smoking a bong, joint, or pipe. Leave Michael alone all u hypocrit media loons who used to puff in the 60s and 70s, go choke on a Marlboro. Legalize marijuana and get out nation out of debt - look what it did for Holland.

WendyG| 2.3.09 @ 6:29PM

Who cares if he took a toak or two. He earned it!

Kat| 2.3.09 @ 7:41PM

He's the one who could lose millions in endorsement contracts. Idiot. Must have been all that time holding his breath under water.

Tom| 2.3.09 @ 8:32PM

40.6 percent of living Americans (101 million people) have admitted -- to the federal government (so the numbers are probably artificially low) -- that they've used marijuana. Any sponsoring company that would punish Phelps for this might as well tell all their customers to take a hike too.

ruth| 2.3.09 @ 11:25PM

Jeff, Holland is a mess, what are you talking about? Weakwillies from hell. No thanks.

Frosty| 2.3.09 @ 11:28PM

Everyone speeds, too, but they are still punished. Until it's legal--don't get caught doing it. It's just bad business sense.

Thomas| 2.4.09 @ 3:56PM

There is no case and there will be no prosecution. The Sheriff is an elected official and will say whatever he thinks will make him look good. This is a really a non-event.