Clear Tommy Chong's Name

On September 11th, a day that Americans have come to regard as a day to celebrate their patriotism and freedom, a blatant violation of our freedom was committed by our own judicial system. The actor/comedian Tommy Chong was sentenced to 9 months and $20,000 for the sale of "illegal drug paraphernalia". As a condition of his sentence he also must relinquish the Internet domain name he used for the sale of his product and "forfeit" over $100,000. Alert Americans should see this for what it is: a sign of our country slowly becoming a fascist state.

The manufacture and sale of pipes and bongs is completely legal in many states. Said articles only become illegal drug paraphernalia once they have been used in the consumption of illicit substances. There is no legal distinction between pipes intended for marijuana and pipes intended for tobacco, which can just as easily be used for marijuana. Tommy Chong was implicated in this case only after the DEA set up a sting business in a state where bongs are illegal and ordered products from his company. This is entrapment.

Eliminating sources of paraphernalia in no way combats illegal drugs. Those seeking to stop the use of marijuana would better expend their energy and resources by targeting the traffic of the drug itself, and by educating the public about the drug.

Perhaps the DEA and the District Court have singled out Tommy Chong in this matter simply because he is a high profile individual who will attract media attention to their cause. Perhaps, also, they have finally found a way to silence a voice that, for thirty years, has been disseminating ideas they are afraid of. But who has given them the power to decide what ideas are right or wrong? Should Americans not be given the freedom to make that decision for themselves?

Because of this case, Tommy Chong has already lost his role on FOX's "That 70's Show" and the likelihood of his planned reunion with Cheech Marin is declining rapidly. His livelihood as an actor is in jeopardy, and now his good name is as well. The only way this injustice can be amended is if Tommy Chong's assets are returned to him and his business allowed to operate, albeit within the states where his products are legal.

Any patriotic American, whether they agree with Tommy Chongs ideals or not, should have an interest in the preservation of their rights to freedom of choice and freedom of speech.