Pubdate: Fri, 05 Nov 2010 Source: Alberni Valley Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2010 R. Frankow Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouverisland/albernivalleytimes/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4043 Author: R. Frankow DECISION NEEDS TO BE MADE ON POT'S FATE Is marijuana like martinis, a bad habit we can't reverse? Have nicotine and alcohol proved addictive and even worse? Pot and peyote ceremonial use are legal in religious service, but without prescription, possession makes us nervous. Even for casual use of THC, there's no defense or plea, and for U.S. repeat offenders, they throw away the key. If U.S. tokers double Holland's lawful consumption, is forbidden fruit filling demand, a logical assumption? Uncle Sam's troops puffed the weed while in Vietnam. Muslems hasheshed in Afghanistan, and no one cared. There's no extradition in Britain for cannabis seed sales or threats of border closures just U.S. scare tactic tales? Laws are enforced only with compliance of majority and a joint seed sale levy was collected by tax authority. Al Capone evaded taxes. Can Mark Emery be his peer? Why end his career and not offer sanctuary to our pot pioneer? Countries allow gambling, run lotteries and bootleg booze, if these are Christian values, what more have we to lose? Is crucifixion the goal and our marijuana martyr the toll? Will the Prince of Pot cut a deal to save his immortal soul? If to harass grass is to cover butt, is it a self-interest view, if bud was not taboo, could we downsize the justice crew? It's an archaic religious law like no baseball on Sunday, before U.S. ends prohibition, export pot without delay. To erase deficit and replenish Olympics' depleted treasury, will B.C. get wise and legalize our second biggest industry? Let a referendum decide - a tax on hemp decree or HST, can Campbell's history legacy be hero for best act in B.C.? R. Frankow Port Alberni - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D