LIBERAL'S "POISON PILL"

I can certainly empathize with Dr. Keith Martin, Canadian Alliance Member
of Parliament, for picking up the Speaker's Mace in the Commons out of
sheer frustration. The ruling Liberals had "poisoned" yet another private
member's bill, one that enjoyed, reportedly, 70% popular support
nation-wide; the decriminalization of marijuana.

The continued irrelevancy of Parliament under this Grit majority bodes ill
for democracy and further illustrates the choking power that the Prime
Minister's office wields so freely. Now we will suffer through a display of
howling Liberals who have the gall to suggest Dr. Martin be barred from the
Commons, or charged with contempt of Parliament for a mere symbolic protest.

It is high time the electorate views their governing representatives,
perched high on the banks of the Ottawa River, for what they have truly
become: Elected puppets with all strings leading to 24 Sussex Drive;
constituents only matter at elections.

T. Empey

Belleville

(The "poison pill" was a parliamentary disgrace)