Pubdate: Fri, 24 Oct 2003
Source: Braintree and Witham Times (UK)
Copyright: 2003 Quicksilver Media
Contact:  http://www.thisisessex.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1170
Author: Don Barnard
Cited: Legalise Cannabis Alliance http://www.lca-uk.org

CANNABIS ISSUES DESERVES DEBATE

I do not wish to turn Times Post into an agony column. But. Mr
Buckland's rationale (Times Post.October 9) for not committing council
resources to the cannabis debate: - "taking up the cause of  a small
pressure group" - requires a response.

Resorting to derogatory remarks was not the best way to responded to a
serious request  for council forums, where local people can air their
views on cannabis.

Surely, council policy (statutory duty) is to consult with local
people and their representatives on issues affecting their quality of
life?

The Legalise Cannabis Alliance believes councillors, council
employees, parents, council tenants, the general public, employers,
school children, teachers  and those engaged in enforcement of
legislation such as club owners need to be given guidance to clarify
the "legal implications" and the "full ramifications" of government
proposed cannabis strategy.

What we want is council to take the lead and hold open public meetings
on how government proposed cannabis strategy impacts on  fundamental
aspects of private lives. The LCA does not want you promote our cause,
Mr Buckland - we want council and/or it's partners to clarify and
justify your policy/strategy in public.

Don Barnard

Aetheric Rd

Braintree
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin