Why it matters: This personal essay by a mother discusses the sacrifices that parents are willing to make to protect their children, even if it means sacrificing their own careers and reputations. The essay also touches on the topic of marijuana criminalization and the impact it can have on families.
What they are saying: The author describes her experience being pulled over by a trooper and ultimately getting arrested because her son had left marijuana in the car. She discusses the sacrifices she made to protect her son and how the experience changed her perspective on drug laws and the criminalization of marijuana.
The big picture: The essay highlights the significant impact that drug criminalization can have on families and the lengths that parents will go to protect their children. It also brings up the bigger issue of whether drug criminalization is an effective way to address drug use and the potential harm it can cause.
What to watch: The essay was written in 1994, but the issue of drug criminalization is still relevant today, particularly in relation to marijuana laws. It is important to continue to examine the impact of drug criminalization on families and communities and to consider alternative approaches to addressing drug use.
My take: This essay is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that parents are willing to make for their children and the impact that drug criminalization can have on families. It reminds us to consider the human cost of drug laws and to think critically about alternative approaches to addressing drug use.
