In November, the voters of California get to vote on Proposition 19 to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana. The polls say the proposition has a good chance of passing, though the last weeks before the election will be crucial to how this turns out. The proposition has many groups and individuals who endorse it, including Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, the National Black Police Association, many physicians, the California NAACP, the California Libertarian Party, the California Green Party, California Young Democrats, the Republican Liberty Caucus and several labor unions. [continues 158 words]
It is long past time to recognize that the only beneficiaries of this country's war on drugs are the traffickers and legions of police who oppose them. As with alcohol, gambling and tobacco, a scheme of regulation and taxation combined with rehabilitation and punitive measures for those unable to use drugs responsibly would better serve our populace, as well as that of our southern neighbors. Greg Brown, M.D. Columbus, Ind. [end]
Regarding Marc Emery's arrest (NOW, September 8-14). How on earth did the DEA get access to Canadian citizens on Canadian soil? This is an alarming wake-up call to all Canadians, whether you support, ignore or despise the marijuana movement. Greg Brown Kamloops, BC [end]
Legalization Is The Only Solution To A Growing Epidemic Canada faces a growing problem, one that must be taken care of sooner than later. Last year it was estimated the number of marijuana cultivation operations in Ontario exceeded 11,380 cases. Further studies showed there were more than 50,000 operations nationwide. Of those operations, more than 150 took place in the Durham Region, and if the Molson brewery incident tells us anything, it's that the cultivation of marijuana is still a booming industry. [continues 441 words]
Over the last week or so I read the book "Love Canal: The Story Continues" by Lois Marie Gibbs Love Canal is a neighborhood in the community of Niagara Falls, N.Y., which in 1978 came to the stunning realization that its homes and school had been built over a chemical waste site that contained 20,000 tons of toxic chemicals. Many people suffered horribly from their exposure to the poisons. The neighborhood banded together, fought for and eventually won government assistance in relocating out of the area. It is a moving story of corporate criminality, the complicity of government and the health care establishment, and of the courage and tenacity of the citizen-activists. [continues 240 words]
A few months ago I had a letter to the editor published regarding the issue of industrial hemp as an energy source (Your Views, March 10). After it came out I made copies of it and sent one to Congressman Tim Johnson, R-ILL. In mid May I received a letter from his office in response. His letter was brief but powerful. He writes, "...it is clear to me that industrial hemp has many positive uses, not only as an energy course, as you describe, but also as a medicinal and nutritional agent, to name only a few. [continues 243 words]
