Pubdate: Wed, 20 Jan 2016 Source: Record, The (CN QU) Copyright: 2016 The Sherbrooke Record Contact: http://www.sherbrookerecord.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3194 Author: Kevin Richard Page: 6 GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT ENDORSE OR BELITTLE DRUG USE OF ANY KIND Dear Prime Minister Trudeau, A little over a decade ago a wandering federal government stuck its finger to the wind to see what would carry them back to power in the next election. It openly dithered with the idea of decriminalizing marijuana only to make a halfhearted attempt that was doomed to fail. As a result of this irresponsible attempt to gain popular favour, police officers commonly encountered confused young people who believed that decriminalization was all but a done deal. Unfortunately, many of them now have criminal records. Considering, therefore, the still-present legal implications of its use, and considering the ever-present health implications of its abuse, I ask, sir, that your government tread carefully so as not to make light of what is a serious issue. As your government moves forward with the legalization of marijuana, allow me to remind you that tone matters. In this respect, I believe your government has gone off course, and it would do well to correct it. It began prior to the formation of your government, when, without regret, you casually admitted to using marijuana as an MP. The problem, sir, is not that you once used marijuana, an act committed by a vast number of us. The problem is the remorseless belittlement of its use whilst it constituted a criminal offense, and whilst in a position of public trust, where people are held to higher behavioural standards. Such belittlement is sure to be interpreted as an endorsement by some. The prohibition of marijuana has undoubtedly been a massive failure. It is more accessible than ever. It is more affordable than ever. Its quality is uncontrolled; it is often highly potent and laced with chemical substances. It empowers organised crime. It leads to violent turf wars. It clogs up our judicial system. And in the end, we can't even keep it out of our prisons, much less society at large. Notwithstanding this failure, and in spite of the reasonable arguments in favour ofmarijuana decriminalization and legalization, the non-medical abuse of it remains a poor personal choice. At the very worst, it leads to psychological dependence, the use of harder drugs, and the triggering of mental illness. At the very least, it clouds the mind; it stifles ambition; and it retards personal development, leaving one in a permanent state of adolescence. In short, making something permissible does not make it a good idea. Though your party's website appears to support the above affirmation of truth, I fear it has been diluted and lost as a result of the mixed message you have sent. It means little for a public official to state such concerns if he simultaneously and unrepentantly belittles his own drug use while holding public office. In the hope that they make good and healthy decisions, families, schools, and the medical establishment will soon have the responsibility of educating youths on this matter without the help of the force of law. In light of how marijuana use is the first step to its abuse, and in light of the many associated health concerns, the last thing they need is the endorsement of its use from a respected public figure and leader, be it a false perception or not. Mr. Prime Minister, I am not without sin. I do not condemn you for being tempted, nor do I condemn you for giving in to temptation. I do, however, believe that as your government moves forward with this project, a sincere and public acknowledgement of this error in judgement would be wise. Considering the great power and trust that has been vested in you, and considering the influence you now hold, it would go a long way in setting the right tone and in sending the right message to young Canadians. Sincerely, Kevin Richard - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom