MEDIA'S REEFER MADNESS PORTRAYS POT SMOKERS AS A BUNCH OF LUNATICS

Re: "Canadians split on decriminalization," Journal, Jan. 2.

Of course, Canadians ought to be wary of legalizing marijuana if the only
images portrayed to us time and again are those of a "Mad Hatter" (Alice In
Wonderland) or file photos of braless teenagers in parks.

It would be so easy to marginalize and dismiss calls for relaxed laws in
the context of such entirely inappropriate and contrived images.

Rather, Canadians and journalists ought to look toward societies such as
The Netherlands for realistic images of marijuana smokers: common,
well-dressed, everyday people from all walks of life.

To illustrate, on Halloween night it happened that I detected a waft of
sweet smoke while I took my young children from door to door.

Not one person who gave candy treats to my children matched the description
of the photograph used in The Journal on Thursday. Rather, each was clean,
appropriately dressed (even when not in costume), healthful in appearance
and outwardly a respectable, contributing citizen. I felt safe and
comfortable for my children.

Balanced reporting ought to be accompanied by less biased photos. A
balanced discussion within Parliament must be accompanied by a more
balanced representation of those who smoke.

M.T. Shewchuk,

Edmonton