Mark Pearson's views on Charles Clarke’s decision not to attend Legalise
Cannabis Alliance Conference
Source: Evening News, Norwich, UK
Pub date: Wednesday, February 2005
Subj: Soapbox: Mark Pearson's views on Charles Clarke’s decision not to
attend Legalise Cannabis Alliance Conference
Author: Mark Person
Web: http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk
Cited: Legalise Cannabis Alliance
http://www.lca-uk.org/
Ref: http://www.ccguide.org.uk/en250105.php
I am writing in response to the comments of Charles Clarke regarding the
invitation he received from the Legalise Cannabis Alliance to attend their
conference at the UEA next month.
He says he has no respect for the LCA argument. Well, we who support the legalisation of
cannabis have no respect for his party's proposal regarding 24-hour opening.
All politicians have a blind spot on the drug issue, failing to
acknowledge their sanction of the most destructive drug that man has ever
meddled in.
Alcohol intoxication is implicated in so many negative aspects of our
society.
Our Government sanctions the sale of a drug that stimulates aggressive
behaviour and sees our A & E [Accident and Emergency] departments overrun
by both drunk people and their victims, the people who happen to be in the
wrong place at the wrong time.
I for one would feel less anxious walking through the city centre on a
Friday or Saturday night if I knew that people had been using cannabis, rather
than necking cheap lager and alcopops.
If we are looking to eradicate violent, obnoxious and drunken behaviour
we won't do it by increasing pub opening times.
We need a grown-up debate about drugs (including alcohol). Unfortunately, politicians like Charles
Clarke are not up to the job, preferring to bury their heads in the sand while
alcoholic chaos descends on Britain's twin centres.
All we are saying is give dope a chance.
Mark Pearson
Cambridge