BOURBON BROWNIES?

Canadians can thank their southern neighbour for the drug laws that
have ensnared anti-narcotics consultant Bert Tatham (Dubai's Zero
Tolerance - editorial, June 20). The United States is the biggest
proponent of zero tolerance and the biggest obstacle to global drug
policy reform. It's ironic that Mr. Tatham was busted for hashish, the
traditional intoxicant of the Middle East. Uncle Sam doesn't have a
problem with exporting Virginia tobacco and Kentucky bourbon the world
over. He is, however, quite adamant that the people of Asia give up a
less harmful vice that has been part of their culture for
millenniums.

Robert Sharpe

policy analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington