CONCERNED ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY AND THE HEALTH OF OUR YOUTH

I'D LIKE to respond to Cedric Silvester's Letter of the Day (May 8) about
my views on decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana as
outlined in your paper's May 6 story "MP: Pot revamp stinks."

Surely, Silvester is aware of the position taken by the Canadian Police
Association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving that rushing to decriminalize
possession of small amounts of marijuana without carefully examining all
the ramifications is foolhardy.

I refer him to MADD's 2001 report, "Taking Back Our Roads." I also ask him
to check out California's laws against operating a motor vehicle while
under the influence of any narcotic. He could also look at the Ontario Drug
Use Study by the Centre for Addiction Research and Mental Health.

Better still, talk to Greg Thompson of Ottawa so he can recount how his
teenage son and four friends died one night in a horrific car accident
caused solely by cannabis. Silvester then could try explaining the pure
stupidity of decriminalizing marijuana while at the same time trying to
educate Canada's youth about the dangers of tobacco. And, for those worried
about carrying a lifetime criminal record, wise up and apply for a pardon
after five years.

If the federal government is so intent on decriminalizing small amounts of
marijuana, there had better be sufficient fines established and stiff
penalties for idiots who get behind the wheel and mow down a family of four.

I haven't got time to be trendy or argue with aging baby boomers about how
safe and cool marijuana is. I am, however, concerned about public safety
and the health of our youth. I am also concerned about Canada's economy as
the U.S. cracks down on the flow of people and goods from Canada in order
to stem the huge quantities of pot crossing its border.

Finally, I am concerned about the vast sums of money bikers and organized
gangs reap in through marijuana grow houses - Silvester should be aware of
those, given that so many of them exist in the Peterborough area where he
lives.

Dan McTeague, MP

Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge

(All issues your government needs to deal with if it's going to
decriminalize marijuana use)