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.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager