SENATORS' MISPLACED PRIORITIES

Much ado has been made about the report of the Senate committee on illegal
drugs, which recently met in Richmond, recommending the decriminalization
of marijuana. This is not surprising, since this was the conclusion the
committee drew even before it even began, as intoned in its mission statement.

As a parent, taxpayer and one who provided expert testimony before this
committee, I am appalled that its members selectively ignored testimony
they did not agree with, solicited testimony supportive of their bias and
failed to actively seek testimony from an array of researchers and experts
who would have categorically and scientifically damned the idea.

The truth is, marijuana is an addictive drug, capable of inflicting
significant physical, emotional and social harm.

There is no war on drugs in Canada, as the committee claims, nor are
Canadians being charged now for using marijuana unless they have also
committed other crimes. At present, the law plays the role of a moral
deterrent, hence the use of marijuana is but a fraction of that of alcohol
and tobacco, which are legal. Fewer than 10 per cent of Canadians used
marijuana in the past year.

But perhaps the most troubling thing to me is that energy and tax dollars
should be spent on the question of whether to make it easier for Canadians,
especially young Canadians, to get intoxicated on a drug.

Am I alone in thinking it is sad indeed that this represents the low level
of respect and hope senators have for our children and youth? Is this the
best thing they can spend time on? When Canada faces such huge challenges,
why would we even be thinking about spending time trying to make it easier
to use dope?

I wonder where are the Senate proposals fostering youth achievement, youth
employment, appreciation for youth or how to help a young generation avoid
drugs in the first place?

Canadians should "just say no" and rebuke the committee for such an insult
to our youth, and for such a use of precious dollars.

Colin Mangham

Director, Prevention Source B.C.