CHAREST'S DRUG CLICHES

Unlike most people, I don't blame the Young Quebec Liberals for their
archaic views on marijuana [Insect, Aug.16]. After all, they are going to
one day become the perfect little drones who'll eventually lead us to that
brave new world called status quo. No problems with the idealism of youth here.

I do find it disgusting that the man who wants to be king, Liberal leader
Jean Charest, doesn't seem to care about the wishes of the people he wants
to represent.

Decriminalization of marijuana is extremely popular among Quebecers and a
May poll (Leger Marketing) showed that even outright legalization is
supported by half the population.

When it comes to the Neverendum, the Liberals talk about respecting the
will of the majority. It's a shame that they don't believe in this concept
when it comes to marijuana.

As well, I suggest that every Quebecer who has ever been arrested for
possession of pot (over 30,000 still get arrested for possession in Canada
every year) write the U.S. consulate in Montreal and remind them that Mr.
Charest admitted to smoking pot. That admission alone is reason not to be
allowed to enter the U.S. (actually, having a hemp or vegan sticker on your
car is enough).

Maybe when Mr. Charest is barred from entering the Excited States, like so
many of our citizens, he'll hear the voices of the people.

It must be somewhat embarrassing to Mr. Charest that stodgy Joe Clark
appears to be more open-minded and hip. And using the discredited "gateway
theory" suggests that Charest should travel to Europe this fall to study
new drug reform policies instead of repeating cliched Drug War rhetoric.

Lyle Howard Seave
Drug Reform Policy Activist