Pubdate: Fri, 21 Jul 2006 Source: Windsor Star (CN ON) Copyright: 2006 The Windsor Star Contact: http://www.canada.com/windsor/windsorstar/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501 Author: Adam Hutchins Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) AMERICAN DRUG POLICIES STRINGENT AND SELF-SERVING This is to rectify some statements that George Skrettas of London made in the July 17 edition of The Star. First, he was right about the fact first-time users of ecstasy can often die. Similarly, longtime use can also drain fluid from the spinal cord, which can leave you pretty much paralyzed. Second, I don't agree with him calling other letter writers stupid just because he doesn't believe what they are saying. Ironically, that makes him pretty stupid and ignorant. Just like the Americans that you are backing by saying their drug policies are excellent. The Americans are fighting a losing war on drugs because of their stringent rules. Many top officials have said in news interviews that it's a big waste of money. Obviously you've been watching too much of anti-marijuana propaganda from U.S. TV stations. Pot is a harmless drug that has many uses. If our government wasn't pressured by the Bush administration, it would probably be legal by now. In conclusion, I would like to say that the American drug policy is a sham. The U.S. invented cocaine, and when it got in the hands of criminals and they found out how to make it, the U.S. took their fight right to Colombia. Which is now a Third World country because the Americans spray all the fields with herbacides destroying all their crops, even their food crops which has destroyed Columbia's economy. Hopefully, if we legalize marijuana, they don't do this to us. Adam Hutchins Amherstburg - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman