Pubdate: Mon, 16 Jul 2007
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2007 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact:  http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n834/a12.html
Author: Robert Howard
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

Letter Of The Day

HOLD POT REFERENDUM

Re: Walking backwards into a wall, July 12.

Senator Larry Campbell's opinion is right on the mark. I recently 
witnessed an outstanding and otherwise law-abiding citizen lose his 
career and see his life put in turmoil because his employer 
discovered he smoked marijuana.

Marijuana use is against the law. Those who choose to use it can 
suffer serious consequences far disproportionate to their offence. 
Surely crime-fighting resources can be better spent dealing with real 
crimes and real criminals that truly threaten us, our families and neighbours.

While our previous federal government's timid political half-measure 
of proposing decriminalization was shortlived, the Conservatives have 
shown decisive leadership. Unfortunately, they went in the wrong 
direction on this issue. Legalization and controlled distribution and 
taxation -- much like alcohol -- make much more sense. Legalization 
would take the distribution of marijuana and the associated profits 
away from criminal elements while freeing our police agencies to deal 
with real crimes and much more dangerous drugs.

The federal government should allow democracy to work and hold a 
referendum on this issue.

ROBERT HOWARD

Winnipeg
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman