Pubdate: Fri, 22 Nov 2002 Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC) Copyright: 2002 The Vancouver Sun Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477 Author: Gary Storck Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/walters.htm (Walters, John) CANADIANS BASE DRUG POLICIES ON SCIENCE, NOT SCARE TACTICS U.S. drug czar John Walters is quoted as saying to hecklers, "Shouting people down doesn't make what you say true." As the old saying goes, the pot can't call the kettle black. Campaigning relentlessly against a number of drug policy reform initiatives placed on ballots across the U.S. by concerned citizens in our Nov. 5 elections, Mr. Walters basically shouted down these initiatives with prohibitionist rhetoric that had no basis in science or reality. This, combined with a massive taxpayer-funded advertising campaign, drowned out the voices of reason and the limited resources available to try to get these sensible measures passed. Canada has shown great leadership in drug policy reform with the Senate committee report recommending the legalization of cannabis, allowing seriously ill Canadians to use cannabis as medicine, and in harm reduction strategies like the safe injection rooms proposal. Policy decisions should be based on science and reality, not who shouts the loudest, as Mr. Walters has been doing. Don't fall for his smoke and mirrors. Canada is on the right track. Gary Storck, Madison, Wisc. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager