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| Senators' Misplaced Priorities |
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Posted by CN Staff on May 21, 2002 at 11:01:49 PT By Colin Mangham, Vancouver Sun Source: Vancouver Sun 
Much ado has been made about the report of the Senate committee on illegal drugs, which recently met in Richmond, recommending the decriminalization of marijuana. This is not surprising, since this was the conclusion the committee drew even before it even began, as intoned in its mission statement. As a parent, taxpayer and one who provided expert testimony before this committee, I am appalled that its members selectively ignored testimony they did not agree with, solicited testimony supportive of their bias and failed to actively seek testimony from an array of researchers and experts who would have categorically and scientifically damned the idea. The truth is, marijuana is an addictive drug, capable of inflicting significant physical, emotional and social harm. There is no war on drugs in Canada, as the committee claims, nor are Canadians being charged now for using marijuana unless they have also committed other crimes. At present, the law plays the role of a moral deterrent, hence the use of marijuana is but a fraction of that of alcohol and tobacco, which are legal. Fewer than 10 per cent of Canadians used marijuana in the past year. But perhaps the most troubling thing to me is that energy and tax dollars should be spent on the question of whether to make it easier for Canadians, especially young Canadians, to get intoxicated on a drug. Am I alone in thinking it is sad indeed that this represents the low level of respect and hope senators have for our children and youth? Is this the best thing they can spend time on? When Canada faces such huge challenges, why would we even be thinking about spending time trying to make it easier to use dope? I wonder where are the Senate proposals fostering youth achievement, youth employment, appreciation for youth or how to help a young generation avoid drugs in the first place? Canadians should "just say no" and rebuke the committee for such an insult to our youth, and for such a use of precious dollars. Colin Mangham Director, Prevention Source B.C. Source: Vancouver Sun Related Articles & Web Site: Canadian Links Redefining a Crime Canada: The Debate Over Decriminalization Should We Treat Pot Like Tobacco? Senators Ask Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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| Comment #11 posted by Sam Adams on May 21, 2002 at 12:06:56 PT |
| I'm NOT a parent, and I DON'T want my tax dollars paying cops to arrest YOUR kids because you failed in raising them! Should we have the cops provide the "moral deterrent" to your kids swearing, messing up their rooms, eating unhealthy foods, and failing school? Where did this stat come from? "Fewer than 10 per cent of Canadians used marijuana in the past year." I'll bet 10 percent of Canadians have smoked in the last HOUR! I love the part about not charging people with MJ unless they've committed other crimes...if they've committed other crimes, then they're already being arrested and charged for those crimes! Creepy shades of the past in this line of logic...just imagine Germany - only Jews who commit other crimes will be arrested! only Jews who are not in the (fill in political affiliation here) Party will be arrested! Only blacks who have the gall to look at white women will be lynched! [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #10 posted by Sam Adams on May 21, 2002 at 12:06:55 PT |
| I'm NOT a parent, and I DON'T want my tax dollars paying cops to arrest YOUR kids because you failed in raising them! Should we have the cops provide the "moral deterrent" to your kids swearing, messing up their rooms, eating unhealthy foods, and failing school? Where did this stat come from? "Fewer than 10 per cent of Canadians used marijuana in the past year." I'll bet 10 percent of Canadians have smoked in the last HOUR! I love the part about not charging people with MJ unless they've committed other crimes...if they've committed other crimes, then they're already being arrested and charged for those crimes! Creepy shades of the past in this line of logic...just imagine Germany - only Jews who commit other crimes will be arrested! only Jews who are not in the (fill in political affiliation here) Party will be arrested! Only blacks who have the gall to look at white women will be lynched! [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #9 posted by bongathon on May 21, 2002 at 12:06:14 PT:
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| jail bombers not bongers [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #8 posted by FoM on May 21, 2002 at 12:04:39 PT |
| I just got off the phone after major run arounds ( I hate to have to get pushy but I did ) they will be hooking up my satellite on Thursday morning. I am really anxious and hope it goes ok. [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #7 posted by el_toonces on May 21, 2002 at 11:57:29 PT:
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| At least I thought so, but apparently her control-freak, temperance, Bible thumping, sanctimonious, prohibition filled spirit lives on........ I thought Canadians weren't as hung up on these issues as some of the more freaky folks here in the States? [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #6 posted by FoM on May 21, 2002 at 11:47:21 PT |
| This was a very popular article.
US Backlash Against Ganja http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread10640.shtml [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #5 posted by Lehder on May 21, 2002 at 11:36:21 PT |
| Countries which do not receive certification and those that
are decertified lose most of their foreign assistance from
the United States, and the US is required to vote against
any assistance to that country from major multilateral
lending agencies, including the World Bank, the
Inter-American Development bank and the IMF. The economically destabilizing effects of these organizations on dozens of countries suggest "decertification" as probably the wisest course. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #4 posted by Nuevo Mexican on May 21, 2002 at 11:22:53 PT |
| This just in: US backlash against ganja - Embassy official warns of decertification for Jamaica http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20010817/lead/lead1.html [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #3 posted by SoberStoner on May 21, 2002 at 11:22:01 PT:
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| I could actualy FEEL my IQ getting lower as i read this...excuse while i pack a bowl to regain some of those points back. SS [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #2 posted by WolfgangWylde on May 21, 2002 at 11:17:09 PT |
| Never let it be said that Prohibitionists are the type to let truth stand in the way of a good argument. Still, it is downright fun to watch the lil' piggies squeal, isn't it? [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #1 posted by p4me on May 21, 2002 at 11:09:09 PT |
| You have to be right to have righteous indignation?
The truth is, marijuana is an addictive drug, capable of inflicting significant physical, emotional and social harm ICBS VAAI,POW [ Post Comment ] |
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