CHARLE'S CLARKE DECISION NOT TO ATTEND LEGALISE CANNABIS ALLIANCE CONFERENCE

I am writing in response to the comments of Charles Clarke regarding
the invitation he received from the Legalise Cannabis Alliance to
attend their conference at the UEA next month.

He says he has no respect for the LCA argument. Well, we who support
the legalisation of cannabis have no respect for his party's proposal
regarding 24-hour opening.

All politicians have a blind spot on the drug issue, failing to
acknowledge their sanction of the most destructive drug that man has
ever meddled in. Alcohol intoxication is implicated in so many
negative aspects of our society. Our Government sanctions the sale of
a drug that stimulates aggressive behaviour and sees our A & E
[Accident and Emergency] departments overrun by both drunk people and
their victims, the people who happen to be in the wrong place at the
wrong time.

I for one would feel less anxious walking through the city centre on a
Friday or Saturday night if I knew that people had been using
cannabis, rather than necking cheap lager and alcopops.

If we are looking to eradicate violent, obnoxious and drunken
behaviour we won't do it by increasing pub opening times.

We need a grown-up debate about drugs (including alcohol).
Unfortunately, politicians like Charles Clarke are not up to the job,
preferring to bury their heads in the sand while alcoholic chaos
descends on Britain's twin centres. All we are saying is give dope a
chance.

Mark Pearson

Cambridge