Pubdate: Wed,  8 Aug 2001
Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2001 The Ottawa Citizen
Contact:  http://www.ottawacitizen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326
Author: Brian L. Fish

TIMELY

Kudos to Allan Rock: He's finally said in public what the Liberal party 
told the government at its 2000 convention, namely that marijuana should be 
legalized for all purposes.

But according to police, legalization will lead to increased marijuana use, 
and crimes currently associated with alcohol -- such as theft, break-ins, 
and impaired driving -- will rise.

On the question of increased use, who cares? By what superior moral 
authority does a police superintendent deign to tell me what is or is not 
good for my health?

The fear of increased crime sounds like shades of reefer madness. Facts 
show that the vast majority of drug takers, as with those who consume 
alcohol, do not, and would not, commit crimes while under the influence. 
Methinks police would like to see alcohol prohibited once more.

Brian L. Fish,

Edmonton 
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom