Pubdate: Thu, 24 Mar 2005 Source: Smithers Interior News (CN BC) Copyright: 2005, BC Newspaper Group Contact: http://www.interior-news.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1631 Author: Art Sampson Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n448.a03.html PRO-POT OWE AN APOLOGY Editor: In regards to Mr. Hamilton's column, [Pot is not the issue, Time Out, March 9, The Interior News], I agree. There is a time and place for political statements. What happened in the Prairies was tragic for the immediate families, my thoughts and prayers go out to them. On the subject of pot being legalized, I agree because, as long as it is prohibited it, there will be criminals who are out there that will make a quick buck at any cost. Let's look at the facts, no matter where we may move on this planet there will be a connection to drug abuse of sort. Along with it we have the criminal element, by eliminating the criminal element through structure, such as, "the four pillars" project in downtown eastside of Vancouver. Up until this point compare how many lives alcohol has taken in comparison to what is commonly known as, "Wacky Tabacky." Why is alcohol legal and yet it has destroyed millions to billions of lives over the years? Getting back to those statements, John and Marc owe the slain officer's families an apology. As I said at the beginning: "There is a time and a place for such statements." Art Sampson Glen Vowell - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin