Pubdate: Mon, 18 Aug 2003 Source: Ottawa Hill Times (CN ON) Contact: http://www.thehilltimes.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/192 Author: Eric Wood Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03.n1177.a02.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) POT DEBATE DOESN'T GET FAIR SHAKE In response to, "Marijuana legislation one of Parliament's top issues," (The Hill Times, Aug. 4), this and other such articles where the subject of marijuana is the topic, I cannot help but notice there is rarely any mention of the views and opinions of those who actually smoke marijuana. Of course you would print comments or statements from the political end but what about the other side of this issue. What about the million plus Canad(b)ians who do smoke or consume marijuana and do so in a responsible manor and even with respect for their surroundings? What about the daily headlines not mentioning the fact that social disorder has not yet resulted from the Ontario court ruling due to the present Ontario laws (or lack thereof) on simple possession of marijuana. I guess it would be asking too much of the press to focus on stories that would enlighten the public and dispel the misinformation they are constantly fed about marijuana and it's consumption. Eric Wood Toronto, Ont. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin