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
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MAP posted-by: Beth