U.S. ERRS ON POT PROCLAMATION

The U.S. response to Canada potentially decriminalizing personal use of
cannabis ("Patients in Canada are finally getting government-grown pot,"
SDN, Aug. 27) is a serious threat.

As was quoted: "U.S. officials have warned of tighter border security if
Canada takes that step."

This is alarming for a number of reasons.

Many American states have already decriminalized cannabis. The Alaska Court
of Appeals unanimously declared in an opinion released Aug. 29 that adults
can possess up to four 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.

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

Let's get this straight. After the 9-11 attacks, the U.S. tightened its
borders. But if Canada decriminalizes cannabis, then we're going to really
tighten our border?

If this threat to our neighbor sounds inappropriate to you too, contact
U.S. officials. 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