DRUG CRIME BILL QUESTIONED

To The Editor:

Regarding Rob Moore's letter to the editor recently.

I believe this is about Bill C-15, although he doesn't mention
it.

In his letter he states "dangerous marijuana grow-ops and
methamphetamine labs . . . are a significant threat . . ."

If these are found now, don't those people already go to
jail?

Maybe not for long enough to suit some, but I think that most would
say that up to 14 years for one plant is a little excessive. It
appears Bill C-15 is about mandatory drug sentencing.

Mandatory drug sentencing has been implemented in other countries and
has failed miserably, including south of the border. In fact many
states are repealing their mandatory minimum sentences.

So, why this renewed 'war on drugs'? Just to fill our
jails?

They are full now but we'll build more. Big contracts they'll be, and
they are to be run by big companies. Hmm.

Mr. Moore says that "the illicit drug trade is the primary source of
income for street gangs and other violent criminal organizations."
While I don't doubt that to be true, targeting the user has never, and
will never, reduce big crime organizations, rather it helps protect
them because, after all, who wants to go after the guy with the big
lawyers when there are little fish to fry?

Many studies have been done on marijuana prohibition and the facts all
show the same thing. In 2002 a Senate Committee stated that "The
continued prohibition of cannabis jeopardizes the health and
well-being of Canadians much more than does the substance itself."

So again, why? Well, there is the matter of the large police forces.
What ever would they do? Maybe they could go find all those meth labs.

Or maybe look at the 'legal' drug trade and keep a few pills off the
street.

Google Bill C-15 and see if it makes sense to you.

H. O'Connor, Hopewell Cape