I completely understand that a few years ago, Michigan residents approved by a sizable majority the legalization of recreational marijuana sales across the state. I personally voted against it. But in our country, when the votes are counted, the majority rules. But I will say that I was embarrassed and mortified when I came back from a road trip in Pennsylvania to visit my daughter and drove down Interstate 75 into Michigan and for the first 20 or so miles there was nothing but a recurring barrage of billboard ads for weed products, marijuana sales, etc. I was shocked to realize that if I were a visitor to our state, this would be my first impression. A country so obsessed with destructive behavior has become an obsession.
I always feel rather embarrassed to see these ads popping up all the way to the bridge as I continue driving north with my gloves on. But to see them so conspicuously present at the entrance to our state on one of the most heavily traveled interstate highways is beyond comprehension.
You won’t see tobacco product ads like this. You don’t see ads for alcohol products with such widespread visibility. I don’t understand why the Michigan Legislature has not put a stop to this proliferation of insanely insulting ads that do nothing but paint our state as a haven for drug abuse.
edmund gay
royal oak
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On Sunday, January 21, 2024, ahead of the Detroit Lions’ playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Michigan cannabis company Pleasantrees put up a billboard on Interstate 75 mocking Florida for not allowing recreational use of marijuana.
Gordie Howe Bridge must open on schedule
I hope the Trump administration will open the Gordie Howe Bridge without delay. Why do U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Ambassador Bridge owner Matthew Morone want to block this opening? The Morones spent millions of dollars each time to stop or slow down the bridge’s construction. The Ambassador Bridge is a privately owned international bridge that is subject to federal control. Over the years, the Morone family has made a lot of money from tolls.
The Gordie Howe Bridge was built at Canadian expense after the United States refused to pay up front. Canada hopes to cover the costs with tolls. The bridge will help improve traffic, add more lanes and clear the existing highway. Trump clearly wants to use the bridge as a bargaining chip with Canada before it opens, doing nothing but slowing down trade, supply chains and the local economy. I really hope this doesn’t slow down the opening of this much needed bridge.
Faith Allen
hazelnut park
This article originally appeared in the Detroit Free Press: Trump, the Morones, the Bridge and Michigan Marijuana Ads | Letters