WE TOLERATE POT, THEY TOLERATE HANDGUNS

Re: "The Prince of Pot deserves B.C. support," Jan. 9. Les Leyne
argues that because of our "relaxed and tolerant view of pot," our
legislators or we the public should oppose Marc Emery's extradition.
I strongly disagree.

What would Leyne say if the individual in question was an American
whom Canadian law enforcement officials had caught mailing handguns
to Canadians?

U.S legislators have certainly "contributed to the difference in
culture between the two countries," by the way they interpret their
constitution and the way they turn a blind eye to purchases at
American gun shows where even the relatively permeable U.S.
background check laws are not observed.

Would Leyne urge U.S. legislators to put their own national
sovereignty first? Should they refuse to extradite someone who broke
Canadian laws because handgun sales are something officials there "no
longer consider a crime?"

British Columbians, our legislators and our law-enforcement officials
may have a different view than Americans on the sale and possession
of small amounts of marijuana. Americans apparently differ from us on
the sale and possession of guns.

We can respect our views and refuse to accept theirs, but why would
we condone either of our citizenries breaking the other one's laws?

John Heaney

Victoria