Current Event #1

My summary of this article is that in London, a bunch of scientists wrote a letter to the government. This letter was about the government’s decision to force the resignation of David Nutt, the government’s chief drug policy adviser. The government wanted to force the resignation of David Nutt after he said the government had overstated the risks of marijuana – a drug he called far less dangerous then alcohol. These scientists are asking the government to agree to a set of principles. The set of principles are asking to guarantee from official interference, liberty to discuss their work in public, and the right to have their recommendations heard. The government needs the help of scientists of 75 official committees to advise it on some issues. This includes drugs, disease, and the environment, according to Dr.Evan Harris, a lawmaker with the opposition Liberal Democrats. The government rejected the council’s advice when officials stiffened the penalties for marijuana possession earlier this year. They argued that the science surrounding marijuana was too uncertain to take risks.
My opinion on this article is that the government should carefully think before quickly forcing the resignation of David Nutt. I think they should have thought carefully and maybe even do some research about his statement about marijuana. If they found out he was right, they could have done something about it. Though if he was wrong, they could have had the resignation. I think the principles the scientists are asking from the government are fair. Also, I do agree with Dr.Evan Harris that the government does need help from scientists on issues including drugs, disease, and the environment. Though maybe it was a good decision to reject the council’s advice when officials stiffened the penalties for marijuana possession earlier this year. Considering the science surrounding marijuana is too uncertain to take risks. That is my opinion on this article about marijuana and the government in London.


Source:msnbc

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33723358/ns/technology_and_science-science/