Pubdate: Wed, 09 Mar 2005
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Calgary Herald
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Dan Johnson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n395/a01.html

MEDIA FRENZY

Marijuana - Re: "Let's declare war on the grow ops," Editorial, March 5.

I hope our elected officials will not be bushwhacked by the hysteria 
generated by the media, such as the Herald's editorial, over the tragic 
circumstances resulting in the deaths of four RCMP officers.

Your suggestion: "More money for policing, enforcement, the courts and 
likely additional jail cells," lacks the thinnest glimmer of a workable 
solution to a long-festering issue.

Your friends to the south, with their "three strikes, you're out" and 
prisons stuffed with angry men, pay a heavy price to maintain the status 
quo. Is it so impossible for you to look for real solutions?

If it were illegal for me to grow a tobacco plant in my house, would the 
criminal underbelly of this country be in the business? You bet they would!

If it were illegal for me to make beer and wine in my own home, would these 
products be traded and sold by criminals?

Since all the research proves smoking marijuana is benign when compared to 
the harm caused by tobacco and alcohol, why don't you champion responsible 
change -- the legalization of marijuana?

If you don't want to put criminals out of the marijuana business, what is 
your agenda?

You seem to be supporting the problem, not boldly stepping forward with 
real solutions.

Dan Johnson,

Calgary  
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MAP posted-by: Beth