CHANGING DRUG LAW CARRIES 'TERRIBLE' PRICE

There will be a terrible social-justice price to pay for the hypocrisy
Prime Minister Jean Chretien is planning to saddle Canadians with through a
change in the drug laws. Morality cannot be legislated and attempts to do
so simply have breed disrespect for the law and the government since Day One.

The Senate committee of Pierre Claude Nolin specifically warned about the
dangers of decriminalization rather than legalization of cannabis. Too bad
the press and Canadians did not read or study those recommendations or we
would reject the decriminalization notion out-of-hand because it will not
deal with the ugliness drug prohibition has delivered to Canadians.

It was Richard Rumbold, leader of the Levelers, who fought for religious
freedom in medieval England who's last words before the king hanged him
were, "I never could believe that Providence had sent a few men into the
world, ready booted and spurred to ride, and millions ready saddled and
bridled to be ridden."

Mr. Chretien can continue to please those with vested interests in
controlling our thoughts on drugs and the drugs themselves or he can end
medical serfdom. Either way, I am honoured to pick up Rumbold's mantle.
There still ain't going to be no saddle on my back, no matter what lies Mr.
Chretien cares to legislate into truth to send moral messages about drugs.

CHRIS BUORS

Winnipeg