Pubdate: Fri, 24 Jun 2005 Source: Mississauga News (CN ON) Copyright: The Mississauga News 2005 Contact: http://www.mississauganews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/268 Author: Rachelle Choueiri Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n861/a08.html DIFFERENT IDEAS Dear Editor: Re: Letters, Far too liberal, May 25 edition. Mr. Kelley's condemnation of Canadian newspapers for bashing George Bush is only semi-justifiable. In essence, how can our country support a man who has waged an illegal war and shamelessly mixes his own ideals with the politics of a nation. Also, his allegation that Canadians are too liberal for wanting to legalize marijuana and for allowing same-sex marriage is absurd. For one thing, it's not us who are too liberal, as he is far too conservative. The legalization of pot has been proven to reduce crime rates. As for the same-sex issue, a referendum might be in order. However, I don't see the United States of America being particularly democratic in its law-making either. Besides, considering the age divide in the polls, it's younger Canadians who condone same-sex marriage and it's this generation that will make up the majority soon enough anyway. Over-taxation is better than privatization. The best countries in the world are the ones that are heavily taxed. To keep the standard of institutions up, I don't mind paying an extra amount as long as basic services are accessible and of good quality. Even though we are heavily taxed, we are also exceedingly prosperous. It all levels out. In any case, Kelley's assertions are hypocritical and ethnocentric at best. I'm glad that he voiced his opinion despite its base accusations. Politics and religion should not be mixed. We are not the United States, which imprints 'In God We Trust' on all their bills and crusades under the moniker of Christianity. We are a democracy not a theocracy and we will remain so. Rachelle Choueiri Mississauga - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin