Pubdate: Sat, 25 Aug 2001 Source: Duncan News Leader (CN BC) Copyright: 2001 Duncan News Leader Contact: http://www.duncannewsleader.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1314 Author: Robert Desrosiers EQUATING FREEDOM TO DRUG-SNIFFING DOGS IS JUST TOO IRONIC Dear editor, Although I am not from your region of Canada, and not a student, teacher, or adminstrator, I felt I had to reply to Patty-Anne Lea's letter about Gator the police dog sniffing out pot-smoking pre-teens. She claims that schools should be places where children can learn about "basic self-respect for one's self and others" and "basic human rights" and "be free of bullies, intimidation and drugs". How fitting that Ms. Lea is so unaware of the irony of these statements. What students learn from these warrantless intrusions on their privacy is that with all this talk of freedom, we've adopted a police state mentality concerning the war on drugs. How would Ms Lea feel if one of these "highly-trained police officers" came to her door and had a "highly-trained police dog" sniff her down. I'm sure it would give her a different perspective. And one more thing, pot doesn't make you shoot people. That's Ritalin. Robert Desrosiers Toronto - --- MAP posted-by: Beth