KEEP FIGHTING

Re: For years, everyone saw this coming, March 5.

The unfortunate killing of four Mounties prompted Dan Gardner to write yet
another article calling for the legalization of marijuana. Mr. Gardner is a
beautiful writer, a thorough researcher, and is, I understand, a senior and
respected staff member at the Citizen. But his conclusions here are dead wrong.

I believe Mr. Gardner minimizes the harmful effect of marijuana. To clarify
matters, it is an addictive, mood-altering substance. But it's no worse
than alcohol, one might counter. Well, who needs two monsters? Legalizing
marijuana will solve nothing. We'll have the unbridled use of a
revenue-generating, government-regulated poison that people, particularly
young people, will think is OK. Isn't it ironic that we lament tobacco
smoking, yet consider the potential travesty of legal marijuana? If it
becomes legal, the criminals will undoubtedly turn to pushing other even
more harmful drugs.

Apparently Mr. Gardner's solution to losing a battle is to throw in the
towel. I'm glad the Americans recognize the danger and are continuing the war.

Edward Sugden,

Nepean