Pubdate: Sun, 05 Sep 2004
Source: Lethbridge Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2004 The Lethbridge Herald
Contact:  http://www.mysouthernalberta.com/leth/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/239
Author: Sarah J. Christensen-Schmidt
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?196 (Emery, Marc)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

POT LAWS DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD

Editor:

Marc Emery was supposed to speak at the Lethbridge Community College
on March 25, concerning political activism and the importance of
voting , with the cannabis movement as an example of these values. He
was arrested for passing a joint in Saskatoon and detained for three
days, so I spoke on his behalf with my brother Charlie
Christensen.

Well, judgment day has come in Saskatoon and Marc was charged with
trafficking. The reason? Judge Albert Lavoie said he was going to set
precedent. For whom and what? For all those peace-loving,
kind-spirited potheads who like to share what they celebrate with
other consenting adults? Or perhaps it was to halt political activism?
What's next? Will the Lethbridge Peace Network be targeted for passing
out hugs at an anti-war rally? They stand for peace, respect, freedom,
and love -- so does Marc Emery.

My Canada does not waste money on jailing peacemakers. My Canada
protects them. My Canada does not ignore the truth, and does not
spread propaganda about pot. My Canada does not penalize those who
stand up for equality and justice. My Canada defends human rights. My
Canada believes in upholding the peace, not destroying it.

So where's my Canada?

I think it's time to stand up and speak out, not only about pot
issues, but also about peace issues, about responsibility for the
individual. If the laws harm the people more than the substance,
should we really continue harming people? NO! Trust that we Canadians
will make the best choices for our lives and when given the freedom
and trust to do so, we will!

I never thought I would feel like a teenager asking permission as a
grown adult. Please Canada, I promise to be good and responsible if
you let me -- but if you say no without good reason, you'll have to be
prepared to deal with the backlash.

We are adults, and we have the right to govern our own minds and
bodies. And for everyone who agrees with me, whoever sees the harm of
our marijuana laws, write Hon. Justice Minister Irwin Cotler, 284
Wellington St., Ottawa, ON K1A 0H8 to urge him to make positive
changes towards the decriminalization bill. Postage is free. Use your
voice!

Sarah J. Christensen-Schmidt,

Lethbridge
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MAP posted-by: Derek