Pubdate: Thu, 01 Aug 2013
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 Times Colonist
Contact: http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/letters.html
Website: http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Fred Mallach

TRUDEAU PROMISES TO MAKE ELECTION EXCITING

Re: "Tories trash Trudeau's stand on legalizing pot," July 26.

In a letter to the editor last fall before the campaign for the 
Liberal party's new leader, I challenged Justin Trudeau to support 
the legalization of marijuana.

"If Justin Trudeau really wants to win the leadership of the Liberal 
party and ultimately form the governing party, he needs to promise to 
end the prohibition of marijuana.... If Trudeau wants to win seats in 
B.C., he should think about this issue and step up."

I give kudos to Trudeau for taking my advice. Actually, I can't take 
any credit for his decision. Just as the Conservative party can't pin 
the move toward legalization on Trudeau.

I have been monitoring the reaction in the media to Trudeau's 
announcement last week supporting the legalization of marijuana. The 
reaction is intense.

Both sides of the issue have jumped at the chance to express their opinions.

In the comment section following an article in the Province, someone 
wrote the following: "I have never voted Liberal in my life, but I 
will if he legalizes pot."

In small-town newspapers in rural Ontario, one editorial appeared 
numerous times, deriding Trudeau for his position.

Margaret Wente in the Globe and Mail characterizes individuals who 
use cannabis as stoners.

Trudeau might have found a way to split the right and the left with 
this issue. I am looking forward to the next election.

Fred Mallach Victoria
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom