Pubdate: Mon, 6 Apr 2009 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2009 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/letters.html Website: http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n392/a08.html Author: Jay Fedorak POT PROPOSAL MAKES SENSE Re: Martin pushes softer pot law, April 2 Keith Martin's private member's bill to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana is a balanced approach to a complex legal and medical issue. Fans of complete legalization must face the fact that a majority of current MPs will not support it. Reducing penalties to fines would be a better use of law enforcement and judicial resources, and decrease the number of customers for the illegal drug trade. This proposal raises fewer border security concerns than legalization, and could attract supporters who agree with the need for change, but want to discourage drug use. Jay Fedorak Saanich - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake