Pubdate: Wed, 02 Apr 2014
Source: Thompson Citizen (CN MB)
Copyright: 2014 Glacier Community Media
Contact:  http://www.thompsoncitizen.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5500
Author: Angus Campbell

PROHIBITION A FAILURE

DECRIMINALIZE MARIJUANA, ANGUS CAMPBELL SAYS

To the Editor:

In the last century across Canada and the United States, a
well-meaning cross-section of our population lobbied successfully to
have alcohol banned from public use. The results were catastrophic:
Rum running in Atlantic Canada; violence when the mob struggled for
control of the black market; a few goons like Al Capone living in
opulence from the millions generated by sales of illegal alcohol.

In Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, the most impressive home on Main Street was
a four-storey wooden palace with no less than 30 balconies. Was this
the estate of a successful doctor, or maybe an industrial tycoon? No,
it was the residence a bootlegger. Saint Pierre and Miquelon, the tiny
self-governing territorial overseas collectivity of France, was just
hours from our coastline and fast-moving boats brought millions of
barrels of cheap alcohol to Nova Scotia, enriching a handful of local
men.

In the last four decades many people have asked governments to
decriminalize marijuana. I'm not advocating drug use or abuse, but I
hope common reason will someday influence legislators to do the right
thing.

Accepting alcohol and controlling its distribution is both sensible
and very lucrative for our provincial liquor commission.
Decriminalizing marijuana would have a few very positive effects:

- - it would end the use of marijuana revenue being used by criminals to
bankroll the trafficking of cocaine and heroin;

- - the court system would rid itself of the backlog of people involved
in use of this substance;

- - it would take the pressure off our overcrowded jails;

- - most importantly, it would free up our police from thousands of
hours of wasted time to fight real crime.

Contrary to the Conservatives' attack against Justin Trudeau, using a
logical approach to an old legal problem doesn't mean Trudeau wants to
put grass in the hands of children. As parents, we have the
opportunity to educate our children, and teach them that you don't
need to be "high" to enjoy life, showing our young that sports and
recreation are healthy alternatives they should embrace in their
tender years.

Are there any political leaders besides Justin Trudeau, who recognize
the backward thinking approach to this issue and have the courage and
foresight to deal with it?

South of the border, Barack Obama, who is a lame duck president, has
stood front and centre on this dilemma, and the Democratic Party (the
liberals) in Congress are willing to accept the political risk of
reforming antiquated laws on the books in their country.

This thorny problem should be addressed by our elected representatives
in Ottawa, with an educated and informed approach. Rather then fear
mongering and finger-pointing couldn't we have a level-headed solution
to an issue plaguing the legal system for over 40 years?

Prime Minister Stephen Harper: Take a hard look at the world your 
citizens dwell in, and when you're not busy killing environmental laws, 
or giving our oil away; make a change that will have a positive impact 
on the new generation of Canadians.

Angus Campbell Thompson
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MAP posted-by: Matt