Pubdate: Thu, 29 May 2008
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2008 Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Sandy Gibson
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n534/a05.html?284196
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n534/a07.html?284196

REEFER MADNESS? OR SANITY?

Re: Decades After Woodstock, The Pot Debate Still Rages, letter to 
the editor, May 27.

In responding to the Post's recent editorial supporting the 
decriminalization of marijuana, letter-writers Akbar Hussain and 
Barry Lubotta make excellent arguments. John Stuart Mill made a much 
stronger one, however, in On Liberty: "That the only purpose for 
which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a 
civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. 
His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant."

Although one could question the dubious link between immorality and 
an individual's decision to use certain substances, I believe Mill 
was explaining precisely how irrelevant that kind of discussion 
should be in a just society where laws are based on essential legal 
rights, not opinions or the morals of influential crowds.

Sandy Gibson, Toronto.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom