Pubdate: Wed, 28 Oct 2009
Source: Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Nanaimo Daily News
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1608
Author: Glenda Allard Barr

CANADA NEEDS TO STAND UP FOR RIGHTS OF CITIZENS

I am greatly disturbed at the threat to our citizens that has been
demonstrated by the failure of the Canadian justice system to stand up
against the demands of American bullying. Are we not a sovereign
nation, a nation with a reputation for compassion and justice?

The issue in question is the co-operation of Canadian authorities in
the investigation and extradition of Marc Emery to the U.S.

Emery did not commit a crime in Canada, nor did he visit the U.S. to
commit a crime there. We have a duty to protect our citizens, and not
abandon them to an imperialist nation demanding that all nations
comply with its demands.

The precedent set by this case is absolutely shocking, and something I
would never have believed could happen in our great nation. It seems
that when it comes to cannabis, we allow the Americans to rule our
policies. Do we want to emulate this brooding bully to the south that
imprisons a greater proportion of its population than any other
nation? In the meantime, violence and murder become a threat to the
safety of our citizens because of the illegal and highly profitable
industry created by our absurd laws. I suggest we begin by not
succumbing to bullying and safeguarding our citizen, Marc Emery. The
second step would be to pay attention to our own government
commissions which have favoured legalization for many years.

Glenda Allard Barr

Lantzville
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr