U.S. RESPONSE TO CHANGE IN CANADIAN LAW IS ALARMING

The U.S. response to Canada potentially decriminalizing personal use of
cannabis ("Patients getting government-grown pot in Canada," Aug. 27), is a
serious threat. The article said, "U.S. officials have warned of tighter
border security if Canada takes that step," and this is alarming for a
number of reasons.

First, many American states have already decriminalized cannabis, including
Alaska. The Alaska Court of Appeals unanimously declared in an opinion
released Aug. 29: Adults can possess up to 4 ounces of marijuana, for
personal use in their home, because the state's interest in prohibiting
them from doing so is not great enough to violate a citizen's right to privacy.

Second, it's alarming, since America exports billions of dollars worth of
goods to Canada that would be affected, in an economy already sorely
compromised. The U.S. economy may not withstand further attacks from the
Bush administration.

Third, let's get this straight: After the 9-11 attacks, the United States
tightened its borders, but if Canada decriminalizes cannabis, then we're
going to really, really tighten our border.

If this threat to our neighbor sounds inappropriate, to you also, contact
U.S. officials and express the need to stop blackmailing Canada with
punishment for being a sovereign country and doing what many American
states have already done.

Stan White

Dillon, Colo