Pubdate: Mon, 16 Dec 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: Charles D. Flynn

IT'S TIME TO STUB OUT REEFER MADNESS SCARE TACTICS

I am a father of five and grandfather of one. I do not condone or use 
marijuana. I also do not condone or use cigarettes. Although I do not 
condone over-consumption, alcohol is my drug of choice. However, it is 
illogical to assume that decriminalizing marijuana will fuel organized crime.

When faced with the huge profiteering off cigarettes by organized crime, 
the government reduced the price, rethought the policy and removed their 
profits. It was logical and consistent with the motive of organized crime, 
which is to keep supply restricted, prices high and possession illegal. In 
fact, the logic suggests decriminalizing marijuana would suggest lessening 
the profitability for organized crime. Whose side is Mr. Coleman on?

It is illogical and inconceivable that a government minister and former 
RCMP officer would arrive at such an illogical and ill-conceived comment.

Decriminalize marijuana and choke off the fuel that sustains organized 
crime. Allow our youth to travel and seek employment without the stigma of 
a hypocritical criminal record. Come into the millennium with some sort of 
enlightened thought process and new era of common sense.

Charles D. Flynn

Vancouver
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom