REEFER MADNESS

Thank goodness Honest Mike Harris is at the helm of Ontario's ship of
state. Perish the thought that either one of that duo of admitted
dope-smokers, "Hash" Hampton of the NDP and "Mellow" McGuinty of the
Liberals, might ever be in charge.

Premier Harris, in a reflective mood this week, publicly allowed there are
some flaws in his storied past. Like Bill Clinton, that great moral
exemplar to the south, he's taken to public confession, and we are all the
better for it -- aren't we?

Not only did he cheat on his "diet commitment," he "may" -- only may, mind
you -- have "opened a gift when I shouldn't have." Phew! Talk about a walk
on the wild side.

Still, it's reassuring to know that when old "Six-Toe Mike" actually did
cut loose during those long Northern nights of his youth, it was with a
revenue-producing six-pack. Always contributing to the people's good,
that's Ontario's Premier.

Mr. Harris never toked, let alone inhaled, but he does push -- if that's
not an inappropriate word -- a "tough love" policy on those who do.

Maybe he should extend his new-found contrition to rethink his stance on
dope. It's been more than a quarter of a century since the LeDain
commission argued for the removal of simple possession of marijuana from
the Criminal Code. Even the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police is in
favour of decriminalizing marijuana. Besides, it's a federal, not a
provincial matter.

Seize the day, Mr. Harris. After all, if pot were legalized it could be
taxed and the huge enforcement machinery that is preoccupied with petty
possession could be directed to pursuing serious crimes.

But act quickly, while your credibility is high. Some snitches are already
suggesting there are other sins lurking in your dossier. It's said you once
accidentally stumbled and kicked a golf ball out of the rough when no one
was looking, that you slept in one morning and missed Sunday school, and,
horrors, that you don't always wash out the sink after one of your famous
close shaves.

Nothing less than full disclosure will do, Mr. Harris. So wipe the slate
clean before calling the election. And for pity's sake, don't make a hash
of it.