MCTEAGUE IS PUSHING US TOWARD THE THAI MODEL

Re "LETTER of the Day," by Dan McTeague (Oct. 26): Glad to see McTeague is
opening up a public debate over the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic
Drugs, because his insistence we adhere to it in a given way is as
impractical as the treaty itself. The very same act of purchasing a
personal amount of cannabis could possibly warrant death in Thailand, to
sanctioned public sales to adults in the Netherlands, Switzerland and other
places.

MCTEAGUE IS PUSHING US TOWARD THE THAI MODEL, WHILE CANADIANS CONSISTENTLY
express a desire to move toward the Dutch/Swiss models, but Dan just can't
see beyond his own agenda. Also, why doesn't Canada withdraw from treaties
that have such little regard for human rights and dignity? The U.S.
obviously picks and chooses which ones it will obey or sign.

Increased pressure for reform from their own electorate may drive European,
South American and Commonwealth countries to follow our lead; conceivably
we could be true world leaders in restoring civil rights. Why not, Dan? If
it becomes politicized enough in the next election to threaten your seat,
will you recant and be in favour of reform if that is what the electorate
want from their trusted public servant?

Debra Harper

Victoria, B.C.

(McTeague is hardly pushing Canada in the direction of the death penalty
for marijuana possession)