Pubdate: Fri, 01 Dec 2006 Source: Daily Observer, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2006, Osprey Media Group Inc. Contact: http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2615 Author: Russell Barth COURTS HOLD THE KEY Editor: Re.: The Liberals and marijuana No party will ever legalize marijuana, not even the NDP or Greens (even if they got into power). Any legalization of marijuana will come the same way as abortion and same-sex marriage - through the courts. The so-called "decrim" bill proposed by the Chretien and Martin regimes was actually worse than the laws we have already, but still, the Liberals have decided not to legalize marijuana. Regulating marijuana would make pot harder for kids to access, save us about $2 billion in annual enforcement, courts, and corrections costs, generate an additional $3 billion in annual tax revenue, increase tourism, and free up police, court, and corrections services for pedophiles and child-porn enthusiasts. But the most important benefit of legalizing marijuana is that it would put gangsters out of business. Imagine my surprise to see that the Liberal Party decided against that. But then, neither do the Tories. Russell Barth, Federal medical marijuana license holder, Ottawa, Ont. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek