NO NEED TO RUSH TO JUDGMENT

Re: Media duped on dope story, March 12.

Congratulations to Ben Rayner for his brave column on the cynical
exploitation by the RCMP and the media of the shooting of four officers in
Alberta. It's always brave to say something that will be understood as
demonstrating a lack of sympathy for a slain policeman, and it's
additionally brave since the Star went along with the orgy of hysteria and
self-flagellation resulting from the event.

As Rayner points out, however, this case had nothing to do with marijuana
growing. By all means, the reasons for this unfortunate occurrence should
be investigated, but let's not rush to judgment.

Stephen Whitzman

Toronto