CELLUCCI IS JUST BLOWING SMOKE

Once again, U.S. ambassador Paul Cellucci is trying to meddle in Canadian
affairs with more "reefer madness" about our newly resurrected pot bill
("New pot law could cause border gridlock: U.S. envoy").

In 1969, the U.S. tried Operation Intercept, searching all vehicles from
Mexico for marijuana. Border traffic was paralyzed. After protests from
U.S. business lobbies, the operation ended three weeks later.

Canada supplies more raw materials today than Mexico did 35 years ago, and
American companies dependent on just-in-time deliveries will be the ones
hurt most by any border slowdown.

Business knows this; so do the northern-state governors. Besides, with
import restrictions already in place for beef, lumber and other products,
could Cellucci's warning simply be another case of American protectionism?

Tim Meehan
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
Ottawa