Pubdate: Fri, 29 Aug 2003 Source: National Post (Canada) Copyright: 2003 Southam Inc. Contact: http://www.nationalpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286 Author: Dan McTeague, M.P. Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1294/a01.html ALERT: US Drug Warriors Threaten Canada - By Request? http://www.mapinc.org/alert/0274.html Note: Headline by newshawk. CANADA IS A HAVEN FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING Re: A Dopey Lobby, editorial, Aug. 27. Has the National Post no memory? Can it not recall the multitude of media reports on the dim view the Americans have given the proposed bill to reform our cannabis laws and how their concerns could lead to tighter restrictions at our borders? Perhaps some of the senior minions at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade -- ever vigilant for subversive activities of Liberal backbenchers as they are, and their political masters in the Prime Minister's Office who most likely assisted in providing the trumped-up little story to the press to twist about a group of pesky backbenchers getting out of line -- should put their names on a ballot come the next election. Maybe they could explain to their potential constituents why Canada is a haven for bankrolling organized crime and a gateway for international drug trafficking. In the process, they can come to my riding and try to explain why the Americans would not give serious consideration to increasing protection at their borders to stem the flow of Canadian cannabis -- even at the detriment of our trade relationship. Does the Post honestly believe that a few backbench MPs, regardless of their own valid concerns about the bill, could actually persuade Americans to force our government to abandon its proposed legislation? If it does, please go back to whatever sources you are using and complain about being used as a dupe to attack MPs who actually think they have a role in addressing the concerns of the people who elected them to represent their views instead of being trained seals for the PMO. Dan McTeague, M.P. Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge, Ont. - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk