Pubdate: Thu, 21 Jun 2001
Source: Aldergrove Star (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001, Central Fraser Valley Star Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.aldstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/989
Author: Chris Buors

AN ATTACK ON NATURAL RIGHTS

Editor, The Star, Sir,

What a world of difference between Tory Senator Claude Nolin and Member of 
Parliament Randy White.

Mr. Nolin understands that drug prohibition has been a failure. Because he 
need not face voters, Mr. Nolin can speak about decriminalization of all 
drugs as a benefit to Canadians. Mr. White, on the other hand, seeks to 
stiffen sentences and increase the already formidable powers of the police. 
This is sure to get him re-elected; since he  wages war against "evil," his 
very effort is synonymous with success.

Mr. White errs to think there is "a problem" parliamentarians can somehow 
fix. No doubt the Spanish Inquisitors saw a "problem" that needed 
government fixing too. The Nazis also had a "problem" that needed a "final 
solution" to fix. "The problem" is the amoral think they have a right to 
tell the immoral what drugs they can and can not use for ceremonial purposes.

Great thinkers of the past, like Thomas Jefferson, believed in the concept 
of our "Natural Rights." Governments were instituted among men to protect 
our natural rights, said Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence. We 
have the natural right to self-medicate with whatever substance we damn 
well please. We have owned that right since time began.

The solution to Mr. White's problem is evident in the history books. 
Perhaps he ought to consider the same solution that was applied to the Jew, 
witch and heretic "problems" of the past, or he could just leave drug 
choosers alone!

"Was the government to prescribe to us our medicine and diet our bodies 
would be in such keeping as our souls are now." --Thomas Jefferson: Notes 
on Virginia Q.XVII, 1782. ME 2:222

CHRIS BUORS,

Winnipeg
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