Pubdate: Tue, 08 Feb 2005
Source: Windsor Star (CN ON)
Copyright: The Windsor Star 2005
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/windsor/windsorstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501
Author: Desmond Davis
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

DECRIMINALIZING POT WOULD FREE UP COURTS

Once again, the weak argument is made that because something is legalized 
or even legislated, people, especially teenagers, will be forced to try it out.

The reality is that pot, like everything else in the world, is available to 
anyone who wants it.

The deeper claim that people can't make choices or moral decisions on their 
own -- and need laws to keep them from trying pot or committing evil -- is 
insulting.

How weak do you think people are? To then claim that pot use and 
cultivation would actually flourish is ridiculous.

How many people smoke cigarettes because it is legal to do so, or grow 
their own tobacco or have their own whisky stills?

How many people synthesize their own aspirin?

Think of all the money and manpower wasted on pot cases, and what did it 
accomplish?

Imagine what all those police -- and funds -- could have done if their 
hands weren't overloaded with petty marijuana busts?

Desmond Davis

Windsor 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth