Pubdate: Wed, 06 Feb 2002
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2002, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.fyitoronto.com/torsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457
Author: Ellen Komp
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor; headline by newshawk

HARDLINE POLICIES ARE CRAZY

Canadians are crazy if they think hardline policies in the U.S. have 
deterred marijuana use and production ("Cops go for the green," Jan. 31). 
For the past two decades, a consistent 50% of U.S. high school seniors have 
tried marijuana, a figure much higher than that of the tolerant Netherlands.

Mean-spirited proposals to ratchet up prison sentences for marijuana 
growers will only bolster the profit motive and further drain taxpayer dollars.

In California, we spend more money on prisons than we do on education, 
largely due to huge sentences for non-violent drug crimes. Is that what 
Canadians want?

Ellen Komp

Mill Valley Calif.

(More to the point, is that what the Canadian government wants?)
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth