Tomczak, Larry. “4 More Reasons to Reject Legalizing Marijuana.” christianpost.com. The Christian Post, 10 Jan. 2014. Web. 11 Aug. 2015.
I stumbled upon this lovely article, which states 4 reasons not to legalize marijuana. The first reason is to “maintain maximum mental capacities”. He starts out by saying that a majority of Americans believe our country is going “in the wrong direction” and that there are “apocalyptic warnings” around us. He then rambles on about controversial subjects which is obvious he isn’t in favor of such as “abortion, gay marriage, Islamic terrorism…” and much more. He goes on to say that marijuana “affects motor skills, causes brain damage, your IQ will drop…” and names many more reasons. The second reason is to “protect public safety”. He is aware of the marijuana/alcohol comparison and even cites statistics. He says alcohol should stay, but safety shouldn’t be worsen by allowing another addictive on the streets. The third reason is “don’t relinquish control of your life” by saying that marijuana is a gateway and that we should not give in Letto sin. He then says that many media sources are publishing on the negatives on marijuana and that pop culture needs to inform the public that it’s not good. The last reason is “be responsible and care for our children” in which he says kids aren’t given a clear message, pressuring Christian parents to inform their child, and cites statistics on how kids can get addicted and such.
The first logical fallacy I encounter is actually in the 2nd sentence, “Apocalyptic warnings seem to be swirling all around us amidst accelerating moral decline.” He is appealing to force by implying that there are warnings and that if marijuana is legalized, something horrible is to come. He then uses the same flawed argument by quoting 1 Pet. 4:7, NIV which states “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so you can pray.” By using a source that he knows his audience will agree with (the Bible), he tries to scare them. This claim says if you keep your mind sober (clear of sin) and you pray, then you won’t have to worry about the end. He uses a slippery slope by coming up with the idea that one would start out smoking joints outside and next thing you know they’re “driving high down the highway” and the next day he’s “next to a judge with a weeping father who lose his loved one and his three children”. This implication is stating that simply by smoking, you’ll be inclined to make foolish decisions, which in turn turns out to be dangerous. Ad hominem is used by stating “Fearful and selfish parents are caving because they don’t want to alienate their children…” in which in he basically tells his audience (Christian adults) that if you don’t inform your child of the “dangers” of marijuana, you are a “coward” and selfish.
The above fallacies mentioned are just a drop in the bucket compared to the whole article, which contains many, if not all the types of fallacies to exist. Many arguments against the drug are not backed up by credible sources and half the article does not even focus on the drug, but focuses on Bible verses and making the audience feel bad. It is evident he is pushing his agenda upon his readers with little to no intent to actually focus on all the aspects of the drug, but just cherry picks the whole article.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/4-more-reasons-to-reject-legalizing-marijuana-112398/