Source: Letter in Evening News, Norwich

Date: 10 December 1997

Author: Jack Girling

I would like to congratulate Colin Barker (Letters, Evening News, Dec 9th) for admonishing the Government for imposing their will on the people rather than allow us the freedom of educated choice about what we consume.

Mr Barker is primarily concerned with beef on the bone, which he obviously enjoys.

However, many other people are effected by the draconian powers used by the 'Nanny' State to control our personal decisions. These include millions of people who would like to choose cannabis use over that of tobacco or alcohol, as their substance of recreation. Cannabis is 'remarkably safe' according to Professor Grinspoon of Harvard Medical School (Oct 1997). The number of people who have died from cannabis is 0, far fewer than even eating beef, which Mr Barker says is in itself safer than crossing the road.

Whether it's beef on the bone or cannabis in the joint the issue is the right and freedom of personal choice and lifestyle, essential in a so-called 'free' society.

In this case Colin is certainly 'barking' up the right tree! (Please excuse the pun.)

Yours sincerely,

Jack Girling Chairman CLCIA