Does marijuana cause plane crashes?
Alex Caruso was arrested because of ridiculous laws.
If Texas seemed more hands-off during the pandemic than other states, it isn’t because they care about personal freedom. As with sex, governments don't really believe that your body belongs to you when it comes to what you ingest.
Los Angeles Lakers player Alex Caruso was enjoying early playoff elimination at his alma mater, Texas A & M. Before his return from College Station, however, he was arrested by campus police for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Caruso had been ratted out by the TSA after a search of his bags at an airport on university property.
Now, I thought the TSA was about airport and airline security. I was unaware that marijuana in herb grinders are as potentially explosive as large tubes of toothpaste. But what do I know? I'm not a scientist.
In any case, marijuana possession is still illegal under federal and Texas law. The TSA's procedures likely require its agents to report anything illegal.
It still seems to me that it wasn't any of the TSA's business. Traveling is a human right, and the TSA's searches of bags without judge-issued warrants are already constitutionally and morally problematic at best. In any case, isn't it the TSA's job to search for potentially dangerous items only? To ensure security? The TSA has no right to seize non-dangerous items any more than the Postal Service has the right to open letters and packages.
Caruso was exiting the state. He wasn't going to be in possession of marijuana on Texas soil anymore. The time the TSA spent in handling Caruso’s situation reduced its own efficiency in getting passengers safely on board. But Texas state law is to blame as well: its marijuana prohibition wastes time and resources of the police and judicial system.
The arrest ruined Caruso's day, week, and plans. The amount of his eventual fine is less money that he can spend on, for example, worthy charities.
Caruso's relative prominence in the sports world made this a news story, but silly arrests like his occur daily across the United States. The time and money wasted on enforcement could be spent on better police training for the investigation of murder, rape, and robbery. You know, actual crimes with victims.
We are all on our own paths. If using marijuana is a part of Alex Caruso's path, that’s his choice he's not encroaching on your path or mine.
It’s time to act as if this was the Land of the Free and leave the Alex Carusos of the world alone.
James Leroy Wilson writes from Nebraska. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter. If you enjoy his articles, subscribe and exchange value for value. You may contact James for your writing, editing, and research needs: jamesleroywilson-at-gmail.com. Permission to reprint is granted with attribution.
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