POT BUSTS NOT A WASTE OF RESOURCES

Letter writer wrong that majority in Oceanside condone marijuana use

In the June 27th edition of The News Weekender David Faren wrote in to
respond to a recent article about a marijuana crop seized by Oceanside
Police.

Faren asserts that this action was "a tragic waste of tax dollars and police
resources." He goes on to chastise the The News for failing to interview
anyone with a view differing from Sgt. Diack of the RCMP, and puts forward
the idea that acceptance of marijuana is "the majority view in this or any
other Canadian city."

After reading Mr. Faren's letter, I don't believe he has any more insight on
the majority view of marijuana use. I, for one, am part of Sgt. Diack's
majority and Mr. Faren's minority, but it doesn't seem to be a worthy debate
in any case. At one time, our society said bullying was a fact of life, get
over it. Historically, our society was overtly racist. It was once widely
accepted that people would drink and drive. Fortunately for us and our
children, our sensibilities as a society have moved on to more fair,
rational and responsible acceptable practices.

Buried in Faren's letter is the idea that this "millennia-old indulgence and
medicine, cannabis" is actually a harmless diversion and we should not be
wasting taxpayer money on trying to root it from our community. In my
community, marijuana is wasting taxpayer money, and far worse, wasting the
minds of our youth. I don't plan to exchange web sites with Mr. Faren on the
proof that marijuana is harmful or harmless. I see my own proof every day,
in the form of young people who can't complete their thoughts, who can't
remember what was learned yesterday, who appeared to be sapped of all
personal ambition.

If the police want to seize marijuana crops, I am glad they are. If The News
wants to report that action by talking to the people directly involved, I
feel that is responsible reporting. If some person who makes money by
killing other people's brain cells is temporarily or permanently out of
business, I feel that is something to rejoice. If Mr. Faren is right, and I
don't hold the majority view, I hope it is time for our society's
sensibilities to evolve.