Pubdate: Mon, 14 Jan 2008
Source: Bismarck Tribune (ND)
Copyright: 2008 The Bismarck Tribune
Contact: http://www.bismarcktribune.com/forms/letters.php
Website: http://www.bismarcktribune.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/47
Author: John Coleman

NO REASON FOR RAISING HEMP

In rejecting the demand for hemp legislation, the North Dakota 
congressional delegation has recognized the obvious charade by the 
pro-marijuana legalizers, and this, more than anything else, is a 
great sign that our nation's legislators finally are becoming aware 
that they have been swindled in the past by drug proponents 
masquerading as compassionate advocates for the needs of the sick and 
dying or, as in this instance, ailing North Dakota farmers.

The fact is that farmers are not ailing but getting wealthy from the 
weak dollar that makes their exports that much cheaper for foreign 
markets. Hemp is available and abundant throughout the world and can 
be purchased elsewhere for a fraction of what it would cost to 
produce in the United States.

In Europe, hemp farmers receive annual cash subsidies from the 
European Union, suggesting that European hemp production is unable to 
compete with cheaper synthetic fibers and imported hemp. Why create a 
similar welfare state for farmers in the U.S. when cash crops like 
corn, wheat and soybeans are in high demand around the world and 
sales of these commodities can benefit our economy and our farmers?

Lastly, the observation that producing hemp will undermine the 
enforcement of our marijuana laws, which is, of course, why the 
pro-drug groups support hemp in the first place, is as good a reason 
as any to keep this genie in the bottle. For those who would dispute 
this, ask yourself this question: If hemp resembled corn, soybeans or 
wheat, would we be having this discussion?

By JOHN COLEMAN

Clifton, Va.

(Coleman signs himself as president of Drug Watch International. - Editor)
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom