Pubdate: Wed, 23 Aug 2000
Source: News, The (UK)
Copyright: 2000, The News
Contact:  The News Centre, Hilsea, Portsmouth, PO2 9SX, UK
Fax: +44 23 9267 3363
Website: http://www.thenews.co.uk
Author: Pete Henshall

HIPPY BASHING

I am appalled by the response of Portsmouth police at this year's Smokey Bears' Picnic.

Around 300 protesters gathered at Southsea Common for a peaceful smoke-in.

The picnickers were met by a reasonable police presence. The police then randomly searched some picnickers.

The operation was a huge waste of police time and money. Money that could be used for numerous good causes such as Portsmouth's hard drug problem - or even to help the homeless and underprivileged.

Stop 'hippy bashing' and start spending money for the good of the community.

Pete Henshall, Legalise Cannabis Alliance, Norwich, Norfolk
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