Source: Evening News, Norwich UK, published letter

Pub Date: 15 June 1998

Author: Paul Cook

MY WORRIES PROVED TO BE COMPLETELY UNFOUNDED

I was dismayed and angered to read the plans of a group of ^"pro-drug campaigners" to demonstrate at our city's war memorial.

However, after a conversation with the people who gathered that day, I understand my reservations were unfounded.

I feel the article published in your paper was misguided and misleading.

The veterans association and the Earlham representatives seemed unaware that the group is concerned only with legalising cannabis, and unaware that the event was planned to honour the people they see as victims in the war on drugs.

What emerged most strongly to me was the remarkable amount of common ground that the veterans and the campaigners were able to find.

Unlike our government, these people were not afraid to openly discuss their views. I am glad the CLCIA withdrew their plans

This memorial represents an enormous amount to a large group of people to whom we owe much and for it to be used for any political purpose would be disrespectful.

But from the chaos caused by the drama-hungry media came the discovery that everyone who was at the memorial basically wants the same thing; free discussion of all the points of view, the independence to criticise the decisions and motivations of those in power and realistic solutions to the problems drugs have caused in our society.

I am far more convinced of the honesty of the veterans and the CLCIA than I am of New Labour and their war on drugs.

We must accept that we are fighting a war on people

Paul Cook

Norwich