Pubdate: Wed, 06 Jun 2012
Source: Penticton Western (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Penticton Western
Contact:  http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1310
Author: Joy Lang
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n280/a06.html

FIGHTING A LOSING BATTLE

Re: The letter (May 18) of Charles Stewart against legalization of 
marijuana.

Mr. Stewart sets himself up as holier than thou, saying we should be
ashamed of our selves if we don't think as he does. Furthermore, he
believes that any former Vancouver mayors, B.C. premiers, and/or
attorney generals should "automatically" be investigated retroactively
for possible legal actions involving the drug trade. I think he should
be investigated for possible libel actions involving his letter and
not retroactively.

He also seems to feel superior to "a vast majority" who want to be
irresponsible after possible legislation. How about an analogy to
liquor legislation? Are a vast majority irresponsible now, compared to
the times of the prohibition booze trade?

Suggesting that we all will take time off work, etc., to smoke pot,
invites another analogy - to cigarette smoking. A lot of people
literally smoke themselves to death, and still manage to work without
taking time off to smoke. As to the entire globe calling B.C. morons
for daring to mention legal pot, has Mr. Stewart never heard of
Portugal's decriminalization, or that a couple American states have
done the same?

Medical marijuana also comes in for moral judgment. How does Mr.
Stewart know that most people who use it can live just fine without
it? Has he taken a survey of all those people and their needs? All in
all, a truly condescending outlook.

Joy Lang

Penticton
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MAP posted-by: Matt