Pubdate: Fri, 15 Oct 1999
Date: 10/15/1999
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (Canada)
Author: Chuck Beyer
Re: Your Oct.6 editorial "Is pot growing illegal or not?"

I take exception with the conclusion of this editorial - that the
marijuana law should either be seriously enforced or scrapped.

In view of the fact that two out of three British Columbian voters
want this law gone (according to a November 1997 Angus Reid poll), the
law should merely be scrapped.

British Columbians are getting very impatient with a law the majority
of our voters do not want, which allows the federal Liberals to cross
the mountains , arrest our citizens and turn them into criminals.
Across the border in Oregon and Washington our neighbours have the
ability to change the law through a citizen initiative (referendum),
and have done so.

We do not have such a luxury in B.C., however, due in part to the fact
that the B.C. initiative process is a fraud. Therefore in B.C. and
Canada we are forced to live with a law the majority does not want.

Are you seriously suggesting that this situation can be allowed to
continue? Most fair minded people would regard the enforcement of a
law that is unwanted by two out of three voters as a tyranny. To
suggest anything other than abolition supports this tyranny.

I strongly suggest you reconsider. The issue here is no longer
marijuana - It is the principle of democracy itself.

Chuck Beyer
Victoria, B.C.