Monday, February 6, 2012

Puff of smoke editorial deserves to be blown away

Letter by Alan Coxwell
Source: intelligencer.ca


Re: Liberals’ bid to be serious goes up in a puff of smoke (Jan. 17)

Jon Chambers’ editorial displays a classic mindset based on ignorance, outright lies and billions of dollars worth of American propaganda which has streamed into Canada and around the world since President Nixon started the War on Drugs back in 1972.

As we discovered, Nixon was a liar and a crook.

As a friend of mine would say, “Jon Chambers’ mind is like a batch of cement. All mixed up and permanently set.”
Resolution 117, sponsored by the Young Liberals of Canada in British Columbia, to legalize and regulate cannabis (marijuana) was passed with a 77 per cent majority. Anyone who watched the proceedings live on the internet would be aware that a large and energetic youth faction has embraced the Liberal Party. This is a historic, long-overdue sea change in Canadian politics.

Chambers said, “We need people whose beliefs are unwavering.” No we don’t. We need people who seek the truth and develop evidence-based policy built on those truths rather than ideologically driven “beliefs”.

Stephen Harper believes “Drugs are not bad because they are illegal. Drugs are illegal because they are bad.” He is partially right. Some drugs are very bad. Alcohol is a drug. Dr. Tim Stockwell, director at the Centre for Addictions Research of BC, says, “Alcohol-related violence and accidents account for approximately 6,000 deaths per year in Canada.” Do I need to mention highly addictive cigarettes? I challenge Jon Chambers to find me one verifiable death caused by the consumption of cannabis … ever.

Chambers asks, “If the argument for legalizing marijuana is simply because the 'war on drugs' hasn't worked, why stop at just marijuana?” Personally, I would follow the lead Portugal took over 10 years ago and legalize all drugs. Why do politicians think they should dictate what anyone puts into their own body? As I pointed out above, the most dangerous drugs are just fine with them. As Republican (Conservative) presidential hopeful Dr. Ron Paul said in a recent debate, “Who in this room is going to run out and try some heroin tonight if it was legal? That is just nonsense.”

Chambers goes on to say, “They [Liberals] should come up with resolutions that will benefit the country.” Well Jon, if you look at the evidence the legalization of cannabis might just be the most beneficial thing we could possibly do for Canada.
Canadian farmers could grow hemp, the same genus of plant as cannabis, which is therefore almost impossible to grow legally today. Hemp provides superior food, fuel and fibre. Hemp seeds contain up to 24 per cent protein. A handful of seed provides the minimum daily requirement for adults. We can make durable clothing, building materials, paper, medicine and a host of other products from this plant. In 1941 Henry Ford, who grew hemp on his own farm, built a car body with hemp fibre and powered it with fuel synthesized from the plant.

Ford actually stated he believed we should “grow” our cars. He proved it was possible. One can only imagine the increase in American tourists visiting Canada, truly the home of the free.

If God created everything on Earth certainly He must have created this plant. Why? For the above mentioned positive uses for mankind or to lock Canadians up in cages for six months for growing six plants?

From my perspective it appears a new generation has finally figured out that if you want politics to change you are going to have to do it yourself.

More power to them.

Alan Coxwell
Stirling

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