Proverbs 20
26 A wise king sifts out the wicked,
And brings the threshing wheel over them.

Proverbs 21
15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous
but terror to evildoers.

**Decriminalize or legalize marijuana?**

"First, there’s an important difference between legalization and decriminalization.

Often, activists garner support for a change in marijuana policy by talking in terms of decriminalization. For example, they suggest that no criminal penalties (jail, fines) should be imposed on an adult possessing a small amount of the drug.

But most of the time what people are actually voting on is the legalization of the drug, where marijuana is authorized, legally sanctioned, and “endorsed” by the state.

This move results in a commercial industry taking root in our communities. ..." -- Jim Daly, President of Focus On the Family

**Play it forward.** Decriminalization of marijuana would eventually lead to the legalization of the same. But read about some of the devastating effects of the drug's usage since it was legalized in Colorado a few years ago and ask yourself, "Would this be a good thing for Bahamians?" While you ponder that, I urge you to read the rest of Jim Daly's blog, **"Six Surprising Ways Marijuana Is Hurting Your Family"** - http://jimdaly.focusonthefamily.com/six…

Thank you, Pastor Cedric; and Happy Independence Day to all the citizens of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Our country is blessed with God-fearing men like yourself who place the wellbeing of our fellow Bahamians above politics and economics. Your words echo the wisdom of Proverbs 14:34 -

**"Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a reproach to any people."**

Although there are many who try to justify such wicked practices like Carnival either by:

1. Pointing the finger at the church because of the moral failures of so-called pastors who are really just "wolves in sheep's clothing", or
2. Citing some economic benefits that might might be gained,

I believe any right-thinking Bahamian would agree with what you have shared. We would all do well to remember:

Proverbs 10:22
**"The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich,
and he addeth no sorrow with it."**

Proverbs 15:16
**"Better is a little with the fear of the LORD,
Than great treasure with trouble."**

**Decriminalize marijuana?** That platform promise by the DNA should not be taken lightly by the Bahamian electorate. Here's why:

"**First, there’s an important difference between legalization and decriminalization.**

Often, activists garner support for a change in marijuana policy by talking in terms of decriminalization. For example, they suggest that no criminal penalties (jail, fines) should be imposed on an adult possessing a small amount of the drug.

But most of the time what people are actually voting on is the legalization of the drug, where marijuana is authorized, legally sanctioned, and “endorsed” by the state.

This move results in a commercial industry taking root in our communities. ..." -- Jim Daly, President of Focus On the Family

**Play it forward.** Decriminalization of marijuana would eventually lead to the legalization of the same. But read about some of the devastating effects of the drug's usage since it was legalized in Colorado a few years ago and ask yourself, **"Would this be a good thing for Bahamians?"** While you ponder that, I urge you to read the rest of Jim Daly's blog, **"Six Surprising Ways Marijuana Is Hurting Your Family"** - http://jimdaly.focusonthefamily.com/six…