LEGALIZE POT - PROS AND CONS

No: Don't burn bridges

If marijuana is legalized, not only will we hurt our community, we
will destroy our relationship with the United States and in the
process, threaten our economy. Canada is strong right now and growing
stronger. Our dollar continues to rise and Bush's re-election means
more prosperity for Canadians than a Kerry led country would have
meant. By legalizing marijuana, we will be threatening this
relationship beyond the fragile state it is already in. The Americans
have already warned Canada that consequences will arise if marijuana
is decriminalized. Heightened border security, a tighter control on
trade, and a loss of a North American identity are a few of the
repercussions Canada will face. Proponents of marijuana say
decriminalizing the drug would give a boost to our economy by bringing
in tourists. I don't know of any family who would like to bring their
children to a city that openly flaunts drugs and allows people to
legally harm their own bodies and endanger other people's lives in the
process. The crowd of tourists decriminalization would encourage to
come to Vancouver will be addicts and drifters who will not only force
police to increase their numbers but will also not add anything
positive to our economy.

How many addicts do you know who can hold down a steady job and be a
positive influence in our modern society? Marijuana advocates say the
drug isn't addictive. Glen R. Hanson, director of the National
Institute on Drug Abuse, said marijuana use, contrary to popular
belief, could be addictive. The smoke can impair short-term memory,
verbal skills and judgment and also distort perception. On top of the
immediate risks, it can also lead to lung damage, weaken the immune
system and increase chances of getting cancer. Canada has always been
a country of separate identities stretched across a vast amount of
geography attempting to unify together. BC has consistently benefited
from this union. The Dominion government promised BC benefits to
joining Confederation, and BC would have become a part of the USA if
our forefathers did not act as quickly as they did. Drugs are a
reoccurring issue in BC; this is certainly not anything new. For a
long time, we've struggled with drugs in Vancouver. It's human nature
to rebel against the status quo, but if the status quo remains for as
long as it has, perhaps the rebels should question just why they are
opposed to being practical, law-abiding citizens. The teen angst of
being different and opposing family values has not outgrown some
adults who are now demanding decriminalization of marijuana.