ONE AMERICAN'S VIEW ON POT

Editor, The News:

I am writing today to express the way Americans, not the American
government, feel about the Canadian government's move to decriminalize
marijuana.

It seems that John Walters -- director of the White House Office of
National Drug Control Policy -- upon hearing of the Canadian government's
decision, swiftly denounced it, taking it upon himself to speak for every
American citizen.

Well, he does not speak for most of American society.

A recent poll indicates that 61 per cent of Americans oppose U.S. marijuana
policy. The drug war is widely considered America's number one public
policy failure. Prohibition has gotten us nowhere.

The war on marijuana smokers is costly, counterproductive, harmful and
illogical.

And here is why:

Costly -- In 1999, the United States spent a record $147 billion for police
protection, corrections and judicial and legal activities.

Counterproductive -- Jailing non-violent marijuana smokers with hardened
criminals sometimes numbs the person to real crimes and he begins to
consider himself a criminal.

Harmful -- The Julian fire in California was caused by a DEA helicopter. No
marijuana was found, but 60,000 acres were destroyed, along with at least
40 homes, 116 other buildings and 146 vehicles.

Illogical -- Despite enormous spending, drugs are now cheaper, better and
more available than ever before.

According to a recent survey, high school students find it easier to obtain
marijuana than they do alcohol.

Don't be intimidated by U.S. government strongarm tactics.

Americans also depend highly on trade with our neighbouring Canadians.

If the DEA does attempt to strangle trade with Canada, American companies
that depend on incoming goods will be up in arms.

Do what you know is right, regardless of American bullying.

Adam Jones

Billings, Mont.