'THE FOLLY OF MARIJUANA USE'

Re: An Open Letter To Justice Minister Rob Nicholson, Karen Selick, Jan. 2.

I read with great amusement Karen Selick's flimsy argument to stop
the extradition of Marc Emery, the marijuana legalization activist,
to the United States. And no, we don't have to concede that this
criminal "has been a huge benefactor to the Canadian people."

I was 18 years old when I shut down my marijuana plantation on
Vancouver Island, after a deep pensive consideration of what the drug
was doing to my friends and others, to whom I sold it to from age 11.
I recently visited one friend who, after 30 years, has finally
concluded the same and has quit smoking pot. This intelligent and
capable fellow began heavy pot use at the age of 11 and is now only
capable of part-time work and lives in a rundown motor home in the
bush. He thinks it's time for a change. So do many Canadians who have
witnessed the damage that marijuana has caused to friends and loved ones.

Marc Emery shall henceforth stand as a "highly effective spokesman"
for the cause of law and order and the folly of marijuana use. How
could anyone be so naive, whether they're stoned on pot or not? Smoke
another one, Marc. And good riddance.

Doug Tweet, Calgary.