CHOICE STILL A VALUED FREEDOM

ITS not surprising to hear someone from the Women's Christian Temperance
Union advocating government regulation of what are and should be personal
choices (Don't go soft on cannabis, Letters Extra, 10/12).

However, like many whose livelihoods or social positions depend on
prohibition, Ms Martin seems a bit confused over the role of government in
a free society.

Altogether too many people assume that the government is condoning any
behaviour not associated with draconian prison sentences and that
governments have the fundamental right to control the private and personal
choices of adult citizens.

Teenagers can get cannabis and other illicit substances more easily than
they can get tobacco or alcohol, which are regulated for sale to adults only.

Many teens believe that adults who have exaggerated and lied about the
dangers of cannabis are also lying about other drugs, which they go on
recklessly to consume.

Young people who have been warned of drug risks - by being jailed along
with violent offenders - have had their lives totally ruined by those who
allegedly know best.

When you hear the likes of Ms Martin trying to justify cannabis prohibition
with emotional appeals about the children, think for yourself about these
risks of prohibition run amok.

JEFF MOORE Staunton, Virginia, US.