Having a Real Beef about Nanny State I would like to congratulate
Colin Barker (Letters, Evening News, Dec 9th) for admonishing the
Government for imposing their will on the people rather than allow
us the freedom of educated choice about what we consume.

Mr Barker is primarily concerned with beef on the bone, which he
obviously enjoys.

However, many other people are effected by the draconian powers
used by the 'Nanny' State to control our personal decisions.
These include millions of people who would like to choose
cannabis use over that of tobacco or alcohol, as their substance
of recreation.

Cannabis is 'remarkably safe' according to Professor Grinspoon of
Harvard Medical School (Oct 1997).

The number of people who have died from cannabis is 0, far fewer
than even eating beef, which Mr Barker says is in itself safer
than crossing the road.

Whether it's beef on the bone or cannabis in the joint the issue
is the right and freedom of personal choice and lifestyle,
essential in a so-called 'free' society. In this case Colin is
certainly 'barking' up the right tree! (Please excuse the pun.)

Jack Girling, Chairman
CLCIA (Campaign to Legalise Cannabis International
Association)