According to numerous commentators, Ross Rebagliati's gold medal
controversy sends a mixed message to kids. I agree.

First, Rebagliati loses his medal for a positive marijuana test, even
though marijuana is not an IOC banned substance. Message? Marijuana is a
voodoo plant: those who even stand near a cannabis smoker must be stripped
of any evidence of accomplishment, no matter how honestly earned.

Next, Rebagliati protests that he has not smoked marijuana "since April,
1997." Message: In the real world, cannabis users are often productive
(award winning) citizens, despite all the fried-egg agitprop commercials.

Then the decision is reversed on appeal. Message: We can set aside
drug-war homilies ... but only if a gold medal is at stake, and only
temporarily.

Last, Rebagliati is urged by the Canadian Olympic Association to put on a
humiliating "just say no" dog-and-pony show to demonstrate his repentance.

Message: When it comes to marijuana, there are no adults, and no adult
dissent will be permitted. We are all, regardless of age or status, bad
children.

Pity there isn't a urine test for doublethink. Maybe we could strip a few
legislators and public officials of their titles, or even the emperor of
his new clothes.

Robert Wilson
Toronto, Ontario, Canada