Legalization

“Legalize it”, most residents of the sunshine state are saying. After hearing of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger pleas to lawmakers in California, to make the recreational use of marijuana legal. The governor plans to have lawmakers’ study the effects legalization has had on the other countries that have done so.

  The governors plan to legalize and tax marijuana for recreational use, would help out California’s ever expanding deficit. This taxation would revenue over 1.3 billion a year, reported from USA Today. There are plenty of pros and cons to consider, but as most reactions I’ve encountered, people are ready to outweigh the bad.

“I think legalization would be good, for revenue and sales taxes, maybe used for schools. Also control importation of pot, and tax, tax, tax, just like alcohol and cigarettes.” Says an unnamed 48 yr old woman and interior designer, from Port St Lucie, FLA.  The legalization of marijuana in Florida would help generate tax dollars that could be spent where its most needed; the school systems. "There are some school districts in Florida that are on the verge of serious, serious financial breakdown. And it's not because of mismanagement — it's simply because of the economic crisis." says Bill Montford, CEO of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, found from USA Today.

Many argue that the effects of marijuana are far too harmful to consider. One Florida resident disagrees. “No one has ever died from over dosing on Marijuana, it acts as a natural pain reliever and muscle relaxer, as opposed to the several medications that are basically narcotics. I believe it should be regulated, but I also strongly believe it should be legal. It’s a plant for God's sake! If dandelion's could get you high, would they be illegal?” Chris Insidioso 29, Drummer from Orlando FLA.

Even some former law enforcement, are second-guessing their efforts, against the long battle on the streets with marijuana. “I was a cop for 30 years before this job, and have watched us loose the war on drugs. If you wanted to go buy dope, you could go to west king street and buy some right now, nothing to stop you. People that are going to use drugs are going to use them, those who don’t, aren’t going to. I say we legalize it all.” Unnamed Security Guard at Flagler College.

There was only one who had a slightly different opinion on the topic. “It will never fly. There is a national law that's against drugs and national government always overpowers the states. Although if Marijuana was legalized it would bring crime levels down significantly.”- George Betcha 19, and a student from Port St Lucie, Fla.

We’ve all seen the commercials where it suggests you become a different person when you smoke marijuana, or you loose your identity, but what we may be loosing out on, is a plethora of opportunities. The legalization of marijuana may be years down the road, but when government officials are talking, we may be headed in the right direction. The people have spoken, and it’s about time someone has heard them.  

Eleven car smash-up and 300 chickens scattered across McFarland blvd.

A large truck carrying 300 chickens, turned over causing an 11 car pile up, injuring more than 25 people and 300 chickens on McFarland Blvd. After the chicken truck made an illegal left turn, car after car plowed into the truck, killing 30 of the 300 chickens and 40 still remain missing. Police sergeant John Jones reported that the accident happened Wednesday. Jones said “ It was the biggest pile up I’ve ever seen, lots and lots of smashed bumpers, but the worst part was the screams of the chickens, those things sure do make alotta noise ya know.”

 

Clarence DiMotta, a spokesperson from the DCH hospital, spoke on the conditions of all parties involved. DiMotta said that there were no serious injuries, although Sarah Bernell, a retired kindergarten teacher had a slight concussion, and Jeff Johnson, the driver of the chicken truck received bruises and a possible broken ankle. There were no other’s omitted to the hospital.

 

The president of the Alabama Poultry Inc. Carlton Fitzsimmions, is going to compensate Mr. Johnson and his family. The company had losses of $700 and filed the insurance claim for each of the 300 chickens. Fitzsimmions asks if any of the remaining chickens are found to call the police and have them returned. 

Britney Spears Bitten by an Alligator while visiting Flagler College, in St Augustine FL

Chief of police, Bubba O' Conner held a press conference in St Augustine, Fl this morning after receiving a frantic 911 call. Britney Spears, while visiting a male friend at the college was found by Hector Gonzalez a security guard on duty. Spears was found laying on the ground in front of the "Lewis House" male dorms, bleeding. Spears was shouting " Oh my  god, oh my god a alligator bit me!" Immediately after her shrieks Gonzalez saw the reptile's tail trailing off into the bushes, he commented on saying that the alligator appeared to be 9 feet in length. 

Gonzalez made the 911 call at 5:10 am , the paramedics arrived shortly after around 5:30 a.m, treating the wounded stars right foot. Once Spears was patched up and released, Animal Control was called to try and relieve the campus of the menus. In their attempts they were unable to find the wandering alligator. O' Conner ended the conference by stating that the loose alligator was thought to be lost from his home at "The Alligator Farm" located a few miles from the campus. Spears is fine and no major damage was caused to the stars right foot. St Augustine has certainly and permanently made an impression on Spears.

Reflection

 Writing for Mass Media is important for me to develop my skills as a writer, mainly because of the field in Communications that I want to pursue. In Public Relations being a strong writer is important, and it is hard to get the job if your writing skills aren't well developed. My strengths as a writer I think are that, I can see things from all sides of an argument or topic, but still have a strong stand point one way or the other. My weaknesses are not knowing the fundamentals of basic writing format and style. I know in taking this class, I will build my skills further and learn proper format and style which will help me to become the writer I need to be in this growing profession.