Pubdate: Sat, 26 Dec 2009 Source: Times & Transcript (Moncton, CN NK) Copyright: 2009 New Brunswick Publishing Company Contact: http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2660 Author: H. O'connor DRUG CRIME BILL QUESTIONED To The Editor: Regarding Rob Moore's letter to the editor recently. I believe this is about Bill C-15, although he doesn't mention it. In his letter he states "dangerous marijuana grow-ops and methamphetamine labs . . . are a significant threat . . ." If these are found now, don't those people already go to jail? Maybe not for long enough to suit some, but I think that most would say that up to 14 years for one plant is a little excessive. It appears Bill C-15 is about mandatory drug sentencing. Mandatory drug sentencing has been implemented in other countries and has failed miserably, including south of the border. In fact many states are repealing their mandatory minimum sentences. So, why this renewed 'war on drugs'? Just to fill our jails? They are full now but we'll build more. Big contracts they'll be, and they are to be run by big companies. Hmm. Mr. Moore says that "the illicit drug trade is the primary source of income for street gangs and other violent criminal organizations." While I don't doubt that to be true, targeting the user has never, and will never, reduce big crime organizations, rather it helps protect them because, after all, who wants to go after the guy with the big lawyers when there are little fish to fry? Many studies have been done on marijuana prohibition and the facts all show the same thing. In 2002 a Senate Committee stated that "The continued prohibition of cannabis jeopardizes the health and well-being of Canadians much more than does the substance itself." So again, why? Well, there is the matter of the large police forces. What ever would they do? Maybe they could go find all those meth labs. Or maybe look at the 'legal' drug trade and keep a few pills off the street. Google Bill C-15 and see if it makes sense to you. H. O'Connor, Hopewell Cape - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake