HITS AND MISSES

Miss

Jack Layton needs to take a deep breath (of air) after his less than
sterling performance on Pot-TV.

On less than a high note, Mr. Layton recently endorsed pot as a "wonderful
substance" that should be legalized.

The NDP leader appealed directly to pot smokers, urging them to join his
party and help "create a legal environment in which people can enjoy their
marijuana in the peace and quiet of their own home or in a cafe."

The challenge was taken up by the head of the B.C. Marijuana Party. Marc
Emery is urging his members to join the NDP. He also plans to seek the
nomination for the New Democrats in Vancouver Centre come the next federal
election.

It didn't take long for Mr. Layton to have more sobering second thoughts
about his position on pot. He now says there's no need to have a national
election based solely on marijuana, but that it would be part of the NDP
platform. As for his "wonderful substance" comment, Mr. Layton now says he
was describing pot for people who might require it for medical reasons.

Welcome to the big leagues, Mr. Layton, where your every word is considered
party policy.