Pubdate: Tue, 06 May 2003
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Jan Robson
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n634/a11.html

COUNTRIES, LIKE PEOPLE, CAN BE ABUSIVE

David Murray, special assistant in the U.S. Office of National Drug Control 
Policy, is warning that if Canada decriminalizes marijuana "the existing 
harmony between the two countries will be ruptured" (Canada's drug policy 
draws U.S. warning, May 2).

Does this sound familiar? Last month, we were being threatened because we 
chose not to participate in a war that had not been sanctioned by the 
United Nations. This month our "friends" are threatening a rupture in 
relations between Canada and the U.S. if we adopt a drug policy with which 
they do not agree.

When one party controls a relationship by threats and intimidation, this is 
not a friendship. I have worked for many years with men who threatened, 
intimidated, violated and controlled their female partners. This behaviour 
is abuse. It is no less so when the two parties in the relationship are 
countries.

Jan Robson

Burnaby
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