Last week, there were two feature stories in the Winonan about new clubs at Winona State. These clubs, a card club and a local chapter of NORML have been the subject of much criticism since then. Over the past week, I heard people complaining about how much of a waste of money it is for the university to fund a club with the sole purpose of playing cards. I heard even more people complaining about the university allowing the formation of and formally recognizing a club that supports the legalization of marijuana.

I guess I can see why students would be upset about the card playing club and NORML. Not many people like the idea of giving $300 to a club to play poker, or providing what they feel is a safe environment for encouraging currently illegal activities.

I’m not going to say too much about NORML. I have no problem whatsoever with a group that wants to work for reform in marijuana laws. There are many things wrong with the way this country has fought the war on drugs. I know the argument has been made before, but I’ll say it again. Big time penalties for possession charges are really effective if the goal is to fill up our prisons with small time offenders. However, if the goal is to get harmful drugs off of our streets and away from our kids, there has got to be a better way. Maybe more emphasis should be put on rehab programs.

I don’t know much about NORML, I’m not a member, nor do I know any members. But I do know that NORML has every right to be an officially recognized university club, and I applaud its members and advisor for having the guts to bring a socially unacceptable stance to the forefront.

As far as the card club goes, people seem to think it’s more of a joke than anything else. They may disagree with their tuition paying for poker chips and cards, but at least the card club isn’t going to put that money up as a tournament prize. And it’s not like the university doesn’t already waste enough money funding worthless clubs the way it is.

Do we really need a card club? No. But then again, do we need all the fraternities and sororities we have on campus either? Or how about the ultimate Frisbee club, cricket club, RPSIG or the rod and gun club? No. But we have them anyway. Why? Because clubs are a great chance to meet people who have the same interests as you. They present a great opportunity for people to get together and relax. So why not a card club? If we can give money to a group that wants to play chess, why not one that wants to play a game that, if good enough and lucky enough, you can actually make a career out of?