Bong-busting boycott of Kellogg bubbling along

Bursting with indignation, legions of legalize-marijuana advocates are urging a boycott of Kellogg Co., including all of its popular munchies, for deciding to cut ties with Olympic hero Michael Phelps after he was photographed with a pot pipe.

via Pro-pot group smokes Kellogg for axing Phelps – Olympic Sports- nbcsports.msnbc.com.

Indignation? Let’s talk about indignation. For decades this country’s leaders have been riding indignation in order to fuel the prison industry. We criminalize and deny rights to otherwise law abiding citizens with a drug war that is financially cumbersome, and costs countess American lives through the violence that prohibition inevitably creates. Kellogg’s, after selling box after box with images of the record-breaking gold-medal Olympian, decides that his one-time private use of marijuana was “not consistent with the image of Kellogg.”

Well if marijuana use isn’t consistent with Kellogg, so be it, say the potheads. The website BoycottKellogs.net points to the National Organization for the Reformation of Marijuana Laws (NORML) Kellog’s boycott page and over 70 Kellogg products to boycott:

Cereal and snack manufacturer Kellogg’s announced that it will not renew its sponsorship contract with 14-time Olympic gold medal champion Michael Phelps. A Kellogg Company spokesperson said that Phelps’ recent acknowledgment of marijuana use, and subsequent apology, was “not consistent with the image” of the company.

We disagree!

As NORML wrote earlier this week, it’s not Michael Phelps who should be castigated, but rather it’s the absurd and hypocritical laws that criminalize the behavior of Phelps and tens of millions of other successful and productive Americans like him that is worthy of condemnation.

Millions of Americans agree. In fact, in the past week dozens of high profile pundits and commentators — including Kathleen Parker in the Washington Post, Stanton Peele in the Wall Street Journal, and Doug Bandow in National Review Online — have demanded a repeal of America’s archaic and overly punitive pot laws.

Michael Phelps is in good company. Nearly one out of two Americans have admitted using marijuana. Whether or not the most decorated athlete in history chooses to unwind during his off time with a glass of wine or a bit of cannabis is really none of the government’s — or our — business.

Please take time today to contact the Kellogg Corporation. Tell them that you oppose their decision to drop Michael Phelps and that, as a result of their actions, you will not be purchasing any Kellogg’s related products for the next three months (or until the company decides to reinstate the Phelps as their spokesperson).

Maybe Kellogg doesn’t deserve Michael Phelps.

Kellogg’s statement rejecting Michael Phelps wasn’t just a business decision. They could have quietly let the contract go. No, they had to make a point to say that Phelps – who trained hour upon hour a day, who pushed himself to be the best he could be for the country and who likely had a goal of being on a Wheaties box – because he was caught with one bong hit was “not consistent” with Kellogg’s. What is consistent with Kellogg except sugar coated breakfasts and the rise of diabetes in America? Fuck Kellogg.

And Michael, stop apologizing. Be a leader.

Wings for Christmas

One of my Christmas presents.

Sparkle Your Wine Without Spilling Your Wallet

NV U Mes U Fan Tres

In our house, we drink sparkling wine from a vinyard that we call “Bad Math.” The actual name is “NV U Mes U Fan Tres” or 1+1=3. We get it down the street at Modern Liquors for about $15. It’s a Cava Brut that is quite tasty!

For those of you like me who love the bubbly, here are some recommendations from Slate to save a little $$ on sparkling wine.

(D)on’t bother with the Champagne aisle: Its prices are still tailored to a world in which the Dow is at 13,000 and there is a McMansion in every lot. Fortunately, Spain, Italy, the United States, and other parts of France offer good, inexpensive sparkling wines that can either put you in the festive spirit you seek or serve as the balm you need.

Dirt-cheap sparkling wines to drink on New Year’s Eve. – By Mike Steinberger – Slate Magazine.