Pubdate: Mon, 02 Jun 2003
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Roger Sousa
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n799/a04.html

POT LEGISLATION FAILS IN EVERY WAY

Re: What have they been smoking in Ottawa?

Rosie DiManno makes it clear in her column that the proposed new pot
legislation is nothing but a cash cow for the federal government.

The government purports to be against pot smoking, yet if the threat
of jail sentences, criminal records and judicial enforcement rarely
worked in the past, how is a fine supposed to curtail use of the drug?

Nevertheless, whether or not one is truly in favour of curtailing pot
use, one thing is for sure -- balanced education and empowerment can
never be attained through fear tactics or exploitation of any kind.

Thus, as it stands, the government has not only failed in its supposed
primary purpose, but most important, it has failed to realize that
personal empowerment and change always begin with appropriate
education rather than changing laws.

Roger Sousa, Mississauga
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake