Pubdate: Mon, 02 Jul 2001
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2001 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact:  http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502
Author: Chris Buors

REMARKABLE SUPPORT FOR DECRIMINALIZATION

Considering the government has been demonizing cannabis for 75 years, I 
would say that 46.8 per cent overall support for decriminalization is 
remarkable. One day government and the press will present truthful 
information to save taxpayers billions of dollars that are wasted in the 
name of righteousness.

It is no coincidence that the Ledger Marketing poll on "legalization," a 
loaded word if ever there was one, is eerily similar to a poll that would 
judge the religiosity of the same regions, with those in the Bible Belt 
firmest in support of drug prohibition laws. The poll simply confirms that 
theologic-based society believes the law is a tool to battle "evil."

Passing morality-based consumption laws simply breeds disrespect for the 
law and the government by making criminals out of "others" who have a 
different vice.

Perhaps the Ledger poll should have asked: "Who would you rather have 
distributing drugs, honest taxpaying businessmen or the Hell's Angels?" 
Canadians have a choice: to live in a totalitarian drug-free police state, 
where drugs will still be available on the black market or we can choose 
freedom and liberty for all.

CHRIS BUORS
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart