Pubdate: Fri, 30 Dec 2016
Source: Penticton Western (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Penticton Western
Contact:  http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1310
Author: Ron Barillaro

THE LAW IS THE LAW

To start with, we need to see what the meaning of omnipotence is.

Quote from a legal source dictionary: "The quality of having unlimited or
very great power." There are several other synonyms that can be used in
place of omnipotence. Some of these are: "all-powerfulness, almightiness,
supremacy, pre-eminence, supreme power, absolute power, unlimited power;
invincibility."

Where am going with this, you might ask? Somehow the word and its
relatives apply to city council in some of its dealings as of late. I am
waiting to hear that they will be inviting all of us down to one of the
lakes to show us that they can, in fact, walk on water without getting
their feet wet.

Canadian law has set legal parameters for the sale and distribution of
marijuana in Canada. I mean all of Canada, not just certain parts. The
laws are very clear on marijuana even though in the near future they might
be adjusted or changed completely, time will tell. In the interim, we have
national statutes that spell out the law regarding marijuana. How is it
that our illustrious cadre of elected representatives can bypass, ignore,
call it what you will, scripted Canadian Law?

For the record, I am neither pro nor anti-marijuana. If an individual
chooses to himself/herself (without involving minors in any way) use
marijuana, that's on them. Until the law has been changed, the in vogue
law is the law.

The city has sanctioned temporary licenses to two outlets that will purvey
marijuana. This contravenes the marijuana law that is currently on the
books. How is it possible that a minor municipal council can circumvent
the laws of the land by issuing licences to dispense a product that is not
currently legal on the open market except through government licensed
regulated distributors? Omnipotence or what?

When is the law not the law? The answer is "until it is amended or
rescinded."

Are you listening mayor and council? Evidently not, with reference to your
recent licensing actions. In the chain of legislation, municipal councils
are at the bottom of the law totem pole as far as overall power goes. The
tale does not wag the dog in this case.

Ron Barillaro

Penticton
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