Letter Of The Day

HOLD POT REFERENDUM

Re: Walking backwards into a wall, July 12.

Senator Larry Campbell's opinion is right on the mark. I recently
witnessed an outstanding and otherwise law-abiding citizen lose his
career and see his life put in turmoil because his employer
discovered he smoked marijuana.

Marijuana use is against the law. Those who choose to use it can
suffer serious consequences far disproportionate to their offence.
Surely crime-fighting resources can be better spent dealing with real
crimes and real criminals that truly threaten us, our families and neighbours.

While our previous federal government's timid political half-measure
of proposing decriminalization was shortlived, the Conservatives have
shown decisive leadership. Unfortunately, they went in the wrong
direction on this issue. Legalization and controlled distribution and
taxation -- much like alcohol -- make much more sense. Legalization
would take the distribution of marijuana and the associated profits
away from criminal elements while freeing our police agencies to deal
with real crimes and much more dangerous drugs.

The federal government should allow democracy to work and hold a
referendum on this issue.

ROBERT HOWARD

Winnipeg