DONHAM'S RIGHT ABOUT DRUG LAWS

To the editor:

The debate to legalize cannabis has been going on for a long time. Canada
had its own Le Dain Commission almost 30 years ago. It correctly identified
the mistakes with our drug laws and made appropriate recommendations. Yet
Canadian lawmakers ignored it. Why?

My compliments to Parker Barss Donham for his latest column (Canada Should
Avoid War On Drugs, The Sunday Daily News, Feb 25). He correctly identified
the main reasons most of Canada's lawmakers have refused to act: stupidity
and cowardice.

We all know what it is like to be ignorant and fearful. No one is immune to
that "ground zero" of the human condition. We do eventually learn from our
mistakes and even make progress to change our imperfect society.

Superstitions, fears and prejudices begin to fade away, replaced by
understanding, trust and co-operation.

What are our lawmakers waiting for, permission from the Prime Minister's
Office to change the drug laws? Unfortunately, it seems so. Imperium in
imperio?

David d'Apollonia
Dartmouth