Pubdate: Wed, 24 Aug 2005
Source: StarPhoenix, The (CN SN)
Copyright: 2005 The StarPhoenix
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/saskatoon/starphoenix/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/400
Author: Ken Sailor
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1272/a04.html?107803
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?196 (Emery, Marc)

PROTECTING POT ACTIVIST REASON FOR CDN. PRIDE

Your editorial, Pot law activist on thin ground seeking leniency, (SP, Aug. 
8), misses a key point. The extradition request for Marc Emery is not 
simply a criminal proceeding, but is an attempt to eliminate a political 
activist. Karen Tandy, current head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency 
claimed the arrest was a significant blow "not only to the marijuana 
trafficking trade in the U.S. and Canada, but also to the marijuana 
legalization movement."

By taking out Emery, legalization groups in Canada and the U.S. "now have 
one less pot of money to rely on," she added.

Emery has been politically active in the U.S., particularly in his support 
of the U.S. Marijuana Party and its capable leader Loretta Nall.

Emery is facing a life sentence for actions that are not violent and were 
unlikely to have had any impact on marijuana supply. Lack of seeds has 
never reduced the marijuana production of the U.S.

As well as topping violent crime and property crime rates among western 
nations, the U.S. also has more than one per cent of its adult male 
population in prison. Their incarceration rate is six times ours. Just as 
with the prohibition of alcohol, the prohibition of marijuana has done 
nothing to reduce drug use, but has increased crime, disease and death. The 
best thing the Americans could do for themselves is an about face and 
embrace the drug reform that Emery promotes.

Canadians have been ahead of the Americans on several important issues, not 
the least of which were slavery and the Vietnam War. Our brave stands on 
these issues are something of which we can be proud. If we prevent the 
extradition of Emery, we can be proud yet again.

Ken Sailor

Saskatoon
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