Pubdate: Sat, 15 Feb 2003
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2003 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact:  http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502
Author: Blair Kissel
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n230/a08.html?1172

JUDGE'S VIEW ON DRUG ESSAY QUESTIONED

Judge Cathy Everett did not request an objective essay on the evils of 
drugs, but rather an essay supporting her opinion on the evils of drugs 
(Judge passes Kelvin student's drug essay rewrite, Feb. 11).

Rather than accepting the original essay on it's factual merits, she 
instead dismissed it saying it sent an "incorrect message." In fact, the 
essay did not convey an incorrect message at all, but rather a message 
Judge Everett did not agree with. On the other hand, numerous experts 
support the "message" implied by the teen's essay: Mainly that the use of 
drugs is a personal decision and the majority of the perils associated with 
drugs are caused by drug ignorance and the drug war, not the drugs themselves.

I applaud the teen's courage in writing the original essay and it pleases 
me to see the younger generation is focused on the important areas of 
knowledge, fact, science and liberty rather than blinded by ignorance, 
political rhetoric and a rampant God complex.

The next time Judge Everett truly wants to obtain an essay on drugs 
containing an accurate "message," I suggest she request one examining the 
evils of the drug war.

BLAIR KISSEL

Winnipeg
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