WEED WHACKING

HOW smart of Liberal-leader-in-waiting Paul Martin to promise a get-tough
approach to organized criminal groups controlling Canada's marijuana grow-ops.

He's had precious little to say on any major topic in the last year, but
being "strong" on organized crime plays well for any politician -
especially those not in the position of having to pay for their promises.
Still, given that Martin will inherit the task of redefining Canada's
relationship with the United States, this week was an opportune time to
rattle this hoary old sabre.

Why? Simple: the U.S. reaction to last week's comments by Jean Chretien
that finally indicated the Liberals will legalize the possession of
marijuana for personal consumption.

Perhaps some members of the Bush administration believe Chretien's refusal
to endorse the U.S. war on Iraq was because he was smoking the stuff. In
any event, first U.S. Ambassador Paul Cellucci and then David Murray,
special assistant in the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy, took
turns warning of tighter border controls if the little loony from
Shawinigan got his way. They subsequently softened their stance - after
all, several U.S. states have similar laws - on the proviso that Canada
would toughen penalties for trafficking and cultivation.

Cue Martin, and roll out last year's RCMP report on organized crime's
involvement with marijuana cultivation. Still, if Chretien follows through
on legalizing pot, there'll be more than enough money saved from police and
court time to redirect some to organized crime task forces.