Pubdate: Mon, 01 Mar 2004
Source: Winnipeg Sun (CN MB)
Copyright: 2004 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.fyiwinnipeg.com/winsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/503
Author: Bruce Symington
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor.
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n327/a11.html

LIES POLITICIANS TELL US

In Drug-related crime spikes (Kathleen Harris, Feb. 25), the quote
attributed to Peter MacKay set off red warning lights: "One would have
to question the wisdom of proceeding with the decriminalization of
marijuana, knowing that there are still all kinds of negative societal
impacts tied directly to cannabis use."

To what negative societal impacts is he referring? Surely he can't
mean being arrested for cannabis use, possession, supply or growing?
This is the result of cannabis prohibition, not the herb itself.

When a pol makes such a broad, vague statement so short on facts and
supporting data, it is time to call him on it. You in the media have a
responsibility to the public to challenge the police and politicians
to back up their statements, or else cry B.S. As long as the media
avoid doing so, the powers that be will continue to get away with
their lies and misdirection, and change will never happen.

Bruce Symington

Medicine Hat, Alta.

(Sounds like a challenge.)
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin