Pubdate: Mon, 30 Dec 2002
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2002, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.fyiedmonton.com/htdocs/edmsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135
Author: Harry D. Fisher
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor, headline by newshawk

THE POWER OF AMERICAN BUSINESS

RE: DEC. 23 editorial. The Sun is far too fearful, and also somewhat naive, 
to believe the U.S. will impede border traffic if Canada decriminalizes 
marijuana. If there's anything that outweighs the drug warriors and their 
morality concerns, it's the power of American business and its money. It's 
beyond the reach of the drug enforcement agency to interfere with the 
billions of dollars in cross-border trade that enrich Canadians and 
Americans alike. For all their moralistic posturing, American politicians 
are keenly attuned to the economy of their constituencies and vigorously 
defend their businesses. Any attempt to cripple our own economy by 
hindering trade with Canada because of your marijuana laws is sure to 
boomerang into the drug warriors' faces. Already, large numbers of 
Americans believe our government's position on marijuana is overkill, and 
that the drug laws need to be revised.

Harry D. Fisher,

Woodland Hills, California

(The U.S. can still crack down on Canadians border-hopping on vacation.)
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom