WHY THE STATE CONTROLS SOME OF OUR 'FREEDOMS'

Re: Marijuana has too many benefits to be kept illegal, July 18.

Letter-writer Mike Friis states that "The biggest reason for
legalizing it (marijuana) ... is that the current laws ... are
unequivocally unconstitutional." He describes such an unfair
situation as a "fundamental infringement of our rights" because "all
substances entered into the body are a personal matter that doesn't
concern the government."

Believe it or not, our constitutional-monarchy state does have power
over individual citizens. A parliamentary democracy, as well as other
aspects of a representative democracy in Canada, does not equate to
absolute individual freedom: The state must retain partial control
over its citizens, acting in their best interest. There are numerous
examples to support this.

For example, seatbelts are mandatory because of studies showing how
seatbelt-wearing car occupants are statistically less likely to be
seriously injured or killed in an automobile accident versus
non-seatbelt-wearing occupants. Aside from the moral aspect of the
issue, it's evident that all Canadian taxpayers should not be paying
bills for blatant acts of stupidity.

Such control over stupidity should be extended to marijuana use.
Interestingly, while Mr. Friis neglected to mention marijuana's "many
benefits," he also neglected to mention the many cons of marijuana
use. This letter will not be a continuation of propaganda in the
continually escalating drug war, but common sense seems to dictate
that inhaling (most commonly) THC-ridden smoke will lead to an
increased risk of cancer in the body. Inevitably, when individuals
fall to the ills of chronic marijuana use, our tax dollars are
funnelled to pay bills for blatant acts of stupidity.

Decriminalize, criminalize, legalize -- our politicians will decide.
But one thing is certain: You can champion your absolute democratic
rights to your heart's content, but the state has a hand to play in
all of your affairs.

Byron Taylor-Conboy

Ottawa