Pubdate: Thu, 07 Apr 2005 Source: Aldergrove Star (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Central Fraser Valley Star Publishing Ltd. Contact: http://www.aldergrovestar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/989 Author: Dan Turner Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n583.a10.html FORUM UNBALANCED Editor, The Star: Last week, Newlands played host to Langley MP Mark Warawa's Town Hall Forum on Bill C-17 (Decriminalisation of marijuana) and getting rid of grow-ops in Langley. While this is an important issue that affects all of Langley, Mark Warawa failed to provide a balanced view and instead put together a panel of people staunchly opposed to the Bill. Every single member of the panel spoke about marijuana being the root cause of so many problems in Langley, without addressing more dangerous substances such as alcohol and tobacco, both which are legal. Mr. Warawa had an obligation to provide both sides of the issue on his panel if he truly wanted to hear the input of Langley residents. Instead he invited only people against the Bill and uninvited Mark Emery, Leader of the BC Marijuana Party, so the panel would reflect his views. This proves that Mr. Warawa has no real intent to listen to his constituents, but would rather impose his beliefs on Langley. This is the same thing he did for same-sex marriage and the people of Langley will see through it. Dan Turner, Vice President Young Liberals of Canada in B.C. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin