SPOTLIGHT: Before We Get High

Written by John Biver

This week’s Spotlight features the conversation of IFA’s David E. Smith and Stephanie Trussell, that was originally broadcast this past Saturday in the opening hour of The Stephanie Trussell Show on 890 AM in Chicago.

Stephanie questions him about the recreational marijuana question on the ballot in Cook County.

At the very start of the show, host Trussell spoke about “the significance of a sitting president speaking at the March for Life.” “No other president in modern times has had the courage to come out and speak for those who can’t speak for themselves.” Dave Smith noted that that hasn’t happened in the 45 years since Roe v. Wade made abortion legal. “We have a guy who isn’t afraid…isn’t it nice to have a president that actually respects the base enough to show up?”

Stephanie Trussell opened discussion about marijuana by parroting those supporting the legalization of recreational marijuana: “Pot is just so innocent…it’s not a gateway drug…and it will solve all of our financial problems…pot is no big deal…everybody does it.”

Smith addressed the tax revenue myth by saying that in the four years since Colorado legalized recreational marijuana, the revenue has added up to 8/10ths of 1 percent of the budget. “It solves nothing,” he said, and emphasized the need to not just look at the potential tax revenues but the downside of the cost to society.

Smith questioned how legalization will affect:

• School dropout rates?
• Test scores in “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs in schools?
• Highway accidents?
• Job site safety?
• Heart and lung disease?

He also cited the shocking statistic that during those four years in Colorado there has been an 800% increase in kids being hospitalized for accidental overdoses.

Both Smith and Trussell agreed that despite what many people think, legalizing recreational marijuana is a big deal, it will impact society negatively, and it will lead to the growth of the nanny state.

But to help IFI subscribers get a better handle on this important issue, we are going to host our first Facebook Livestream webinar with a panel of experts this Thursday evening.  Our guests will discuss what legalization has brought to other states and what we can expect if these ballot initiatives pass in Illinois.

WHAT: Panel of Experts to Discuss Marijuana Legalization

WHEN:  Thursday, January 25^th

TIME:  7:00 PM

WHERE:  Watch via the IFI Facebook page

Please attend! It will be very worth your time!
You will learn important facts that the media simply won’t tell you.

If you cannot watch live, the video will be archived on the IFI Facebook page and cross-posted on the IFI YouTube Channel.

Please note:  There will be a referendum question on the Cook County ballot on March 20^th and possibly one for the entire state for the General Election on November 6^th on whether or not to legalize. Before you cast your vote, know the facts!

Bulletin Insert:  Ask your pastor to share this bulletin insert with your congregation.  The body of Christ and people of faith must be informed about the consequences of this policy, and encouraged to vote NO to legal marijuana in Illinois.

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