Pubdate: Fri, 18 Aug 2017 Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON) Copyright: 2017 Postmedia Network Inc. Contact: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v17/n261/a01.html Author: Bill Johnstone Page: A11 THERE'S NO REASON WE SHOULD LEGALIZE POT Re: Pot shop objector left high and dry, Aug. 11. It is refreshing to hear someone expressing real concern about the proliferation of illegal pot shops that are opening with impunity within Ottawa and around the country. There is no question this is happening because our federal government has pledged to make recreational pot legal. Why is Canada going down this path when there is no logical rationale for doing so? If the logic is based on raising money for government coffers, then I would offer that there is an obvious alternative to legalizing recreational pot and putting the health and security of the Canadian population at risk. The federal government needs to re-examine spending priorities, focus on Canada and stop the incredible increase in our national debt. Why? Because it's 2017, it's our 150th birthday and it's time to turn the corner. Our country and its people deserve nothing less. Bill Johnstone, Manotick - --- MAP posted-by: Matt