Pubdate: Sun, 21 Jul 2002
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2002 Calgary Herald
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Joel Robert Schulz

WHO CARES?

Re: "U.S. fears effects of lax pot laws," July 18.

So Asa Hutchinson of the Drug Enforcement Agency is upset over Canada 
leaning toward decriminalization of marijuana. Who cares? Perhaps if the 
Americans would jump off their America-uber-alles bandwagon, the rest of 
the world would listen to their concerns. Their protectionist trade 
policies, arrogant attitude regarding the International Criminal Court, and 
the destruction of Third World economies through subsidies -- the rice crop 
in Guyana is a good example -- mean the United States has no credibility 
for me and many others.

The DEA's argument is not supported by research. In spite of the fact the 
U.S. Court of Appeals, as Hutchinson states, has reaffirmed the 
dangerousness of marijuana, scientific evidence does not support the view. 
If they want, they can build a fence along the Canadian border. However, I 
recommend it be used to keep them in instead of Canadians out, thus letting 
the rest of the world get on with living without U.S. interference.

Joel Robert Schulz

Calgary
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MAP posted-by: Beth