Pubdate: Sat, 29 Jun 2013
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2013 Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.edmontonsun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135
Author: Yukon Jack

KUDOS TO COWTOWN MAYOR

It's laughable how many greasy politician stories grace our headlines 
these days. In the U.S. we had Congressman Anthony Weiner and his ... 
well ... um ... his weiner. In Toronto it's tales of crack cocaine 
and outright obnoxiousness.

Provincially it's first-class flights and public funding for private expenses.

That's why what's happening in amongst the disaster in Calgary is so 
refreshing. I love Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi. I respect Calgary 
mayor Naheed Nenshi. Why? Not just because he's a visible minority 
elected to office here in redneck Alberta. He's a leader not just an 
elected official. The team captain. When a community experiences a 
disaster they look to their community leaders and that's not always the mayor.

Sometimes the mayor is really more of an administrator. An 
accountant. A businessman. Nenshi is all of that but he's also the 
team captain. In the biggest disaster in the city's history he has 
remained calm. Focused. Determined. Funny. Organized. Inspiring. 
Insightful. Available.

And he's doing a hell of a job communicating with his citizens. In 
times of disaster we can often see the worst in people.

But when the citizens have a great leader to rally around, we can 
often see the greatness in the community.

And that's what's happening in Calgary right now. In the meantime ... 
I'll just shut my big yap.

Some facts on pot

There's changes coming to Canada's medical marijuana business. The 
current system is indeed flawed. So what are the fed's plans? Change 
it up. Sounds good right? If it's broke, fix it. If it's broke fix it 
but not until you know what the fix is. Don't change for the sake of change.

The most baffling part about the medical marijuana debate is the "We 
need to do more research" argument from those generally against.

I have a solution. Do the research! The stoners aren't gonna do it. 
They already believe it's safe and effective.

So there's a product out there, that's not regulated or controlled, 
that has the potential to heal thousands of Canadians and improve the 
quality of life of thousands more and the main reason we haven't 
given it the green light, or the red light for that matter is "no 
definitive proof of its effectiveness, ineffective or safety?" Well, 
find out! Grab a bunch of rats, chimps, bongs, willing white guys 
with dread locks, scientists without agendas and get some some 
answers. But it can't be that easy! Can't it?

Well, the little blue pill that puts smiles on faces and money in 
pockets was first synthesized in ' 89 and patented in '91. Two years. 
Weed's been around forever and we haven't thought to do any in depth 
research on it? Nobody else finds that weird? Suspicious?

Like there might be an ulterior motive like big medicine not wanting 
you to grow something in your basement for free because it could save 
you thousands of dollars a month or not?

Prove me wrong scientist. Show me how dangerous the herb is. Let's do 
the research. In the meantime...I'll just shut my big yap.

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Catch,"my Big Yap, with Yukon Jack," weekdays at 7:20, 12:30, 4:30 
and 8:30 on Edmonton's Best Rock, 100.3 The Bear, online at 
www.thebearrocks. com and follow me on Twitter  Theeyukonjack
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom