Pubdate: Thu, 17 Sep 2009
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Times Colonist
Contact: http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/letters.html
Website: http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Stephanie Dahl

MANDATORY JAIL FOR DRUGS WRONG

Mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes have flooded the prison
system in the United States. Putting one out of every hundred people
in jail is draining the economy, tearing families apart and not
helping Americans win their "war on drugs."

Canadians should be learning from this terrible example, not following
down the same tragic path.

Unfortunately, Bill C-15 is one step away from becoming law. It
slipped through the House of Commons with very little media coverage.

It is now up for a third reading when the Senate resumes sitting this
week.

This bill would introduce stricter penalties for a variety of drug
crimes, including six months minimum in jail for growing one cannabis
plant.

We need to stop this ridiculous piece of legislation. I urge everyone
to research the consequences of mandatory minimum sentences for drug
crimes in the U.S.

Canada needs to be researching enlightened drug policy including
medical marijuana, not locking up low-level dealers and cannabis
cultivators.

Stephanie Dahl

Victoria
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr