THE POSITIVES OF POT

The Editor;

Re: "Just say no" (Letters, The Tri-City News, Sept. 28).

It is said that the road to hell is paved with good intent. Such is the
case with this letter.

One wonders just what it will take to make some people realize how
dangerous brainwashed absurdities (presented as fact) actually are for
those whom they claim to want to protect, namely youth.

Letter writer Ross Durant argues that, "Legalized pot means dope can be as
commonplace as a pack of smokes", yet fails to realize that prohibition has
created the very situation that concerns him. And worse.

Thanks to prohibition, youth readily obtain cannabis now and, in many
instances, they have access to a variety of chemical substances ranging
from designer drugs (Ecstasy, etc.) to speed, crack cocaine or heroin,
which are also often available. This would not be the case if cannabis were
legalized and regulated.

Durant claims "pot is a potent, powerful, mind-altering drug that is
addictive" and in doing so, utters the very nonsense that causes youth to
distrust and disregard warnings about all substances.

His talk about the competitive workforce and poorly thought out obstacles
fails to consider the the effect of a cannabis conviction as an obstruction
to choice employment.

Durant condemns legalization as "some pothead's vision of liberty" and an
"absurd idea" yet fails to realize that in doing so he not only dismisses
the significance of Report of the Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs
but, also, its intent.

If Durant is truly concerned about the well being of his school-aged
children (and youth ,in general), he owes it to them to take the time to
actually understand the rationale of the Report of the Senate Special
Committee on Illegal Drugs.

It can be viewed at www.parl.gc.ca/illegal-drugs.asp by clicking on "Reports."

Wayne Phillips

Hamilton, Ont.