Pubdate: Tue,  2 Sep 2003
Source: Summit Daily News (CO)
Copyright: 2003 Summit Daily News
Contact:  http://www.summitdaily.com/home.php
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/587
Author:  Stan White
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

U.S. ERRS ON POT PROCLAMATION

The U.S. response to Canada potentially decriminalizing personal use of 
cannabis ("Patients in Canada are finally getting government-grown pot," 
SDN, Aug. 27) is a serious threat.

As was quoted: "U.S. officials have warned of tighter border security if 
Canada takes that step."

This is alarming for a number of reasons.

Many American states have already decriminalized cannabis. The Alaska Court 
of Appeals unanimously declared in an opinion released Aug. 29 that adults 
can possess up to four ounces of marijuana for personal use in their home 
because the state's interest in prohibiting them from doing so is not great 
enough to violate a citizen's right to privacy.

It's alarming since America exports billions of dollars worth of goods to 
Canada that would be affected by the Bush administration move in an economy 
already sorely compromised. The U.S. economy may not withstand further 
attacks from the Bush administration.

Let's get this straight. After the 9-11 attacks, the U.S. tightened its 
borders. But if Canada decriminalizes cannabis, then we're going to really 
tighten our border?

If this threat to our neighbor sounds inappropriate to you too, contact 
U.S. officials. Express the need to stop blackmailing Canada with 
punishment for being a sovereign country and doing what many American 
states have already done.

Stan White

Dillon
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