Yep, I'm ticked about the massive expansion of government that's been pushed on us by the current administration as well. I honestly think Ashcroft is more to blame than Bush, though Bush is equally guilty by being complacent. Part of this was kneejerk to September 11, and now it's just out of control. Our rights have been gradually eroded for decades, but the Attorney General right now is just out of control. And whattya know, still no good candidates to vote for this year! Choice 1, we have the politics of personal destruction. Choice 2, we have the politics of personal destruction. Great.

Now regarding the alchohol/pot thing, it's important to note that alchohol IS physically addictive, and marijuana is NOT. Marijuana however can be strongly psychologically addictive in high risk individuals, but this varies widely by person.
Alchohol on the other hand, if you become physically addicted, you can suffer fatal DT's! Not to mention alchohol is the poison of bad decisions.... marijuana is far less likely to make you go have a one-night stand, unprotected, then get in a fight and beat your wife. The one thing I find is an important exception is that red wine is very good for your heart in moderation. Also, pot is often a one-way ticket to nowheresville when kids start on it, and that's not helping it's cause either.

You know, maybe it would be best if we were accountable for our own decisions on what we did with our bodies ? hmmmm....