Pubdate: Sun, 22 May 2005
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.ottawasun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329
Author: George Kosinski
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Cannabis and Driving)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor, headline by newshawk.

HARDLY A MISCONCEPTION

RE "Video highlights tragic result of toking, driving," (May 18):I don't 
understand why RCMP Chief Supt. Raf Souccar claims that debate over the 
decriminalization of pot doesn't help because it creates a misconception 
that marijuana is a safe drug and can be used while driving, a clever 
conjunction that will slip by most readers.

I suppose decriminalization would, indeed, help to create the impression 
that marijuana is a safe drug but, since it actually is safer than at least 
80% of pharmaceutical drugs as well as alcohol and tobacco, that impression 
is hardly a misconception.

With respect to the latter portion of Mr. Souccar's conjunction, even 
though alcohol has been legal for many years, you would be hard-pressed to 
find anyone who believes that it isn't dangerous to drink and drive. 
Fearmongering, anyone?

George Kosinski

(We hate to say it, but it's quite evident many people do think it's okay 
to drink and drive)
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman