DRUGS TOP OF MIND FOR POLITICIANS

Local politicians are focusing on hot-button issues of late, and illegal
drugs are top of mind for both Abbotsford MP Randy White and MLA Randy
Hawes [Maple Ridge-Mission].

Mr. White held a town hall meeting Monday night addressing the "evils of
marijuana" and in particular the federal government's move to re-introduce
Bill-C17 into the House of Commons. Mr. White is concerned that the
proposed changes will send the wrong message to Canadians - children in
particular - that marijuana is not a dangerous drug.

While we agree that marijuana is still an illegal drug and should be
legislated as such, a majority of Canadians agree that current laws on
simple possession are draconian and serve no one's best interest.

Does this mean we should just turn a blind eye to marijuana grow operations
and drug dealers who profit from the selling and exportation of the illegal
weed? Of course not.

But if, as studies and polls clearly show, a good majority of Canadians
want change in the law, why shouldn't government act accordingly?

In the meantime we continue to hope the rhetoric on both sides of this
contentious issue can be toned down so Canadians can get an honest look at
the topic and make up their own minds. We would like to see proponents pro
and con stick to the facts and leave the storytelling to 'B' movie
Hollywood script writers.

As for Mr. Hawes' campaign to outline the myriad problems our communities
face with crystal meth, the timing of a conference to establish the best
plan of attack - this week's Western Canadian Summit on Methamphetamine -
couldn't be better.

Drug abuse is a huge problem in Abbotsford and Mission, but crystal meth
should be our number one priority.

There is a considerable difference between mellow puffers of pot who can
barely get off the couch, and speed freaks with the unimaginable energy,
drive and will to destroy all that is good in us.