RHETORIC FROM POLITICIANS

RE "NEW law just the ticket" (April 27): Justice Minister Martin
Cauchon rejects legalization of cannabis because it "is not the
message that we want to send as a society and as a government." It's
easy to understand self-interest playing a part in the police position
to maintain prohibition, but the rhetoric from politicians offers no
explanation for being so out of tune with the message society really
sends - unless the Americans are actually powerful enough to influence
a world so at odds with them. Ending prohibition and implementing
regulation as a way to reduce the harmful consequences of alcohol was
a simple enough solution to grasp over 70 years ago, yet the
politicians of today refuse to be nothing more than poster people for
the "dumbing down of society" campaign. I hope the Supreme Court shows
some desperately needed leadership on May 6.

Debra Harper

Victoria, B.C.

(That's when the court is to hear an appeal from convicted pot smokers
who claim possession laws are unconstitutional)