Pubdate: Mon, 30 Dec 2002 Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB) Copyright: 2002, Canoe Limited Partnership. Contact: http://www.fyiedmonton.com/htdocs/edmsun.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135 Author: Harry D. Fisher Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor, headline by newshawk THE POWER OF AMERICAN BUSINESS RE: DEC. 23 editorial. The Sun is far too fearful, and also somewhat naive, to believe the U.S. will impede border traffic if Canada decriminalizes marijuana. If there's anything that outweighs the drug warriors and their morality concerns, it's the power of American business and its money. It's beyond the reach of the drug enforcement agency to interfere with the billions of dollars in cross-border trade that enrich Canadians and Americans alike. For all their moralistic posturing, American politicians are keenly attuned to the economy of their constituencies and vigorously defend their businesses. Any attempt to cripple our own economy by hindering trade with Canada because of your marijuana laws is sure to boomerang into the drug warriors' faces. Already, large numbers of Americans believe our government's position on marijuana is overkill, and that the drug laws need to be revised. Harry D. Fisher, Woodland Hills, California (The U.S. can still crack down on Canadians border-hopping on vacation.) - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom