DRUG USERS, NOT NECESSARILY DEALERS, COULD BE GOOD SOURCE OF REVENUE
FOR FEDS

I know many people feel the proposed coalition is un-Democratic, and
that they are the problem but these three political parties are acting
as a result of Conservative actions that started the whole thing.

Harper and his Conservatives are also thwarting the Democratic
process. If they left the per-vote political party funding alone, I
would then be fine with them. As it stands, I am more inclined to
approach GG Jean with a request to leave the government in under
certain conditions.

One of the problems of limiting our government to one political party
is that good ideas can come from many sources; we need a variety of
people, skills and beliefs in parliament simply for a variety of
perspectives and solutions. I don't care where a good idea comes from,
as long as it is a good idea.

On a personal level, we are not doing anything different financially
as we know this too shall pass. The government needs to address the
fact that there are a great number of people who do not have that
luxury. As jobs disappear, and mortgages foreclose, retirement funds
shrink and strain is placed on charitable organizations for food and
shelter, the government will need to intervene in some way to weather
this storm. Where it is okay for us to wait, it is not okay for the
government to do the same.

If the government wants to make some big bucks, here is a good idea.
There is money to be made elsewhere by ticketing drug users who
possess just enough drugs to avoid being called dealers. Personal use
it is called. Right now they are ignored because the courts would be
packed with a lineup down the street and around the corner, and around
the next corner as well. It is also too expensive to prosecute so the
users are left to continue. Law enforcement wants bigger fish. Here's
my plan: $135 first offence, $265 second offence, $500 third offence
and court-ordered rehab. There would be a good number of people
quitting, a great number of young people who would feel this just
isn't worth it. Parents are more likely to find out what the kids are
up to when mail from the police department is in the mailbox
requesting payment, and a good number of people in trouble would be
dealt with properly. And the dealers would move on. In the meantime
this is a major cash flow to cover needs for those who are less
fortunate. Problem solved.

BONNIE WALTON

Medicine Hat