Pubdate: Sat, 30 Nov 2002
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Chuck Beyer
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n2174/a08.html
Note: 3rd of 3 PUB LTEs in this issue
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

GOVERNMENT SHOULD SIDE WITH MAJORITY

Re: "Courts too lenient on pot growers," Nov. 28.

You want more stringent penalties for the production of a product which 
more than half of Canadians want legal -- a product which the Senate has 
reviewed and deemed less dangerous than alcohol and tobacco?

Why not side with the far more virtuous position that the government should 
follow the majority views of Canadians and the Senate. The Senate has 
called for the provincialization and regulation of marijuana like the wine 
industry.

Your editorial view that more Canadians should be sacrificed to the holy 
altar of the War on Drugs for longer sentences against the wishes of the 
Canadian majority is morally and fiscally repugnant.

AIDS is a problem, homelessness is a problem, hunger is a problem. Violent 
criminals are a problem. Terrorism is a problem. Marijuana is not a problem 
- -- except in regards to a law that does not have popular support.

Chuck Beyer,

Victoria.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D