Pubdate: Tue, 07 Feb 2006
Source: Chilliwack Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Chilliwack Times
Contact:  http://www.chilliwacktimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1357
Author: Clifford Roulston
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

IS THE COST OF WAR ON WEED WORTH THE PRICE?

Editor:

Forty per cent of all Canadian 15 year olds admit to having used 
marijuana. It is a commodity that many Canadians want.

The United States Homeland Security Department is in the process of 
pouring over $1 billion into Bellingham to upgrade their land, sea 
and air surveillance of this sector of their border. In spite of the 
hundreds of cameras and remote controlled drones marijuana is flowing 
into their country. Local prices have almost doubled in the last year.

The government of Canada seizes tens of millions of dollars worth of 
real estate in Chilliwack every year under the Banned Substance Act. 
To no avail.

The City of Chilliwack has deprived tenants of their privacy rights, 
and, puts the lives of landlords at risk by requiring them to do the 
work of the police department.

Although it often takes three or more months for the police to 
respond to a call on their "tips line," the city is promoting a 
stassi-like "Block Watch," where neighbours spy on neighbours. Now it 
wants to register the lights Aunt Nell uses for her aspidistras and 
Uncle Harry uses for his tomatoes.

It is time we ask ourselves whether the damage done by prying into 
the privacy of our citizens and depriving them of their rights is 
greater than the harm done by the marijuana?

To date no one has been convicted of impaired driving, beaten his 
wife robbed a bank while under the influence of marijuana.

Are the resources consumed fighting production, sale and possession 
of marijuana worth the price? Whatever we are doing, it is not working.

Clifford Roulston

Chilliwack
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman