Pubdate: Sun, 07 Aug 2005 Source: Chronicle Herald (CN NS) Copyright: 2005 The Halifax Herald Limited Contact: http://www.herald.ns.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/180 Author: Colin MacPhee Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada) DEA HIT LIST Whatever one's position might be concerning the issue of marijuana and its dangers or benefits, I would hope that all Canadians will vehemently protest the misguided actions of the B.C. government and its Drug Enforcement Administration lackey, Associate Chief Justice Patrick Dohm of the B.C. Supreme Court. Marc Emery et al did not commit crimes on U.S. soil. Yet they have been arrested at the behest of the DEA? The United States has spent untold billions since 1971 fighting the apparently endless "War on drugs." (Announced and started, incidentally, by that high priest of ethical conduct, Richard Nixon.) Compare this war to the absurdity of alcohol prohibition in the early 20th century and the end result is clear: violence, death and absurd profits for organized crime. Meanwhile, overtaxed police agencies are still required by the mandate of law to chase down people with a few joints? How cowardly of Mr. Dohm to round up peaceful medical marijuana activists on the DEA's behalf whilst organized, violent criminals walk free. This is a political action by the DEA and a direct assault on Canadian sovereignty. Not a war on drugs, but a war of ideology. Sick people should have the medicine they need. Addiction is a medical issue, not a legal or law enforcement one. To the DEA: End this war. Let there be peace. To my fellow Canadians: Who will be next on the DEA hit list? Norman Bethune would probably qualify, were he alive today! (Treason or some such foolishness.) Colin MacPhee Amherst - --- MAP posted-by: Beth