Pubdate: Mon, 30 Sep 2002
Source: Halifax Herald (CN NS)
Copyright: 2002 The Halifax Herald Limited
Contact:  http://www.herald.ns.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/180
Author: G.R. Kee

PRIVATE ISSUE

Dear Editor:

I just don't get it! I was floored to see the media attention and 
professional trashing given to two teachers for allegedly having a couple 
of marijuana plants on their property. To consider this an "operation" is 
reckless and is exaggerated because they are educators.

Regardless of whether they did or did not, their lives away from school are 
a totally private issue. They do not represent any risk to anyone 
whatsoever in the community, be it the public in general or any child 
attending any school.

As a society, we constantly turn our back on the tolls of tobacco and 
alcohol abuse and castigate ad nauseam those who would dare have a puff of 
marijuana from their own garden.

I'm sure that these two teaching professionals will still be key to 
contributing toward a bright future for our children. I'm sure that the 
educational system will certainly be the one to lose out if either of them 
are let go. I'm also sure the minister of education is watching this 
closely, considering her past and because of her current valuable role in 
the education of our youth today.

We all have both past and private lives and they have nothing to do with 
providing the best in dedicated education to our children.

G.R. Kee, Kentville
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