Gaze at the beautifully laid-out silver tray of pot-laced goodies – how enticingly beautiful and exciting.

Look at the exaggeratedly joyful face of Dana Calin, Denver County Fair director, suggesting what a hip, forward-thinking event the cannabis contests will be at the fair this year! And aren’t we lucky to have in La Plata County an outstanding expert on pot etiquette whose aim is to “be an online marijuana tourism guide to Colorado.” How sad he is so frustrated “more local businesses, restaurants and hotels aren’t showing leadership” by jumping on this grand financial bandwagon.

How can we, particularly those of us in education, child welfare, health and spiritual growth, rejoice over the vulgar commercialization and flaunting of a substance causing so many negative impacts: sensory distortion, poor coordination or movement, lowered reaction time, growth disorders, study difficulties, reduced ability to learn and retain information, apathy, drowsiness, lack of motivation, personality and mood changes, the inability to understand things clearly and varied health concerns?

We have so many acts and activities, corporally and individually, in our community that are true causes of celebration and rejoicing, that promote human dignity and enhance the human spirit. Let us celebrate these.

Joyce Bilgrave

Durango