SENDING THE WRONG MESSAGE

Re: Let's get tough on crime with the genuine criminals, Simcoe Reformer,
Oct.14

Yes! Dave Breakenridge is correct. Mandatory jail sentences for people
who grow as few as five marijuana plants is bad. The prohibition of
marijuana is not getting "tough on crime." Rather, it is getting
"stupid on crime."

Indeed, marijuana prohibition sends the wrong messages to our young
people.

First, putting non-violent plant users and growers in jails because
they make a much safer choice, of marijuana instead of beer, is more
than hypocritical, it's bullying. Why are we sending an adult message
to our young people that bullying and hurting others is OK?

Second, why do we let organized crime control the lucrative, tax-free
marijuana market? Organized crime does not worry about product
quality, paying taxes, or age limits. Why are we teaching our young
people, that if they want to have a good paying job, they should
consider joining a gang?

Third, why do we waste hundreds of millions of dollars in futile
attempts to enforce marijuana prohibition? We are teaching our young
people that building more prisons to house non-violent marijuana
growers and users is more important than adequate funding for public
education. Now, that is really stupid!

It's time for the Conservative Party to come to its senses. If we want
to protect our young people and have safer communities, we need to end
marijuana prohibition and set up a regulated market.

Herb Couch

Nelson, B.C.