Pubdate: Sat, 31 Aug 2013
Source: Globe and Mail (Canada)
Copyright: 2013 The Globe and Mail Company
Contact:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/168
Author: Daniel Bitonti
Page: F8

THE MP BUZZ

Federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau's revelation that he smoked
marijuana three years ago - as a sitting MP - has generated debate
across the country, including intensive commentary from Globe readers.

As just one example, there were more than 500 online comments about
this week's column by Gary Mason on the issue. He argued that
attitudes about marijuana have shifted, and that Tories (who stand by
current law) should be wary about going after the opposition: "It may
just make Canada's governing party look dated, out of touch and even a
little paranoid."

Readers seem to agree: In one way or another, they appeared to feel
that current laws against marijuana are not working. Some expressed
support for decriminalizing or legalizing the drug.

"It is a relatively harmless drug, some say it is beneficial," wrote
one reader. "Legalizing it will save lots of our tax dollars that are
squandered on tying the legal system up with the legal penalties for
marijuana."

Another posed the question: "How is having a toke any different than
having a beer when you get home from work?"

Others saw Mr. Trudeau's admission as a clever political
move.

"He's crafty. He knows full well that attitudes towards marijuana have
changed considerably since even five years ago, and he's attempting to
ride the wave," one reader wrote.

A minority of commenters were frank in their criticisms of Mr. Trudeau:
"So let me get this. He is a MP and the head of his party =C2=85 broke th
e
law that he is to uphold as a member of gov't =C2=85what else are you doi
ng
that is against the law?"

There was also this blunt analysis: "Liberal leaders have been getting
dumber and dumberer."

A good chunk of the discussion, however, cut below the surface, seeing
pot as a symbol of a political schism in this country - a bellwether
of how in (or out) of touch they are with Canadians.

On this point, readers were overwhelmingly critical of the
Conservatives. One likened the party's stance to something from
prehistoric times. "It seems that Stephen Harper represents a
generation of dinosaurs, which as far as I'm concerned can't become
extinct fast enough."

Another reader, responding directly to Mr. Mason, wrote: "This isn't a
question of [whether this issue] MAY make the governing party look
dated, out of touch and slightly paranoid. The governing party IS
dated, out of touch and TOTALLY paranoid; in particular, the governing
party's chief."

As for Mr. Trudeau, the marijuana user?

"Honest, transparent, young, smart - all the right stuff to lead this
country forward," one reader wrote of him. "I hope young voters are
paying attention - it's their opportunity."
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MAP posted-by: Matt