'VICTIMLESS' CRIMES? HARDLY

In the article detailing the plight of two Lower Mainland men appealing
their conviction for drug possession and trafficking charges, the case is
put forth as one which is a "victimless crime" (Supreme Court to rule if
pot law constitutional, March 16).

I would hold that while smoking marijuana should not be a crime (and
therein lies the distinction), inherently no crime is victimless. However,
I am specifically disturbed by the equation of this "victimless crime" to
prostitution and pornography. Both prostitution and pornography have many
victims, revealed and hidden, and we must recognize them.

Prostitution exposes victims who, faced with poverty and few options,
choose this line of work. Other victims of prostitution are harder to face
- -- those women who are abducted, tortured and forced into a lifestyle they
would not naturally choose.

The majority of pornography is a brutally recounted history of the abuse of
women. Pornography has ruined families, tormented the lives of children
forced in front of the camera and twisted the sexual liberation of women.

Let us respect and remember the many women and children who are indeed
victims of these heinous crimes.

Lehe Elarar
Vancouver