Pubdate: Sun, 12 Dec 2004
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.ottawasun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329
Author: Tim Meehan
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor

QUIT THE SOCIAL ENGINEERING

RE "7 Convicted in pot bust," (Dec. 4): Your report about some people being 
sentenced to jail for growing plants in the old Molson brewery neglected to 
mention if any of the principals jailed had previous criminal records for 
growing the modern version of bathtub gin.

These types of sentences are the exception, not the norm, and thank 
goodness for that. Judges still seem to have some degree of independence. 
Of course if Anne McLellan, the Conservative Party and the police unions 
had their way, they would turn our justice system into kangaroo courts.

Legalizing it would be too easy, they say, and would send the "wrong 
message." I have a tip for them: if they want to send a message, call 
Western Union. Let's quit the social engineering and stop criminalizing 
popular and harmless conduct.

Tim Meehan, Director of Communications, The National Organization for the 
Reform of Marijuana Laws in Canada

(Wishful thinking) 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jackl