|
Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
|
|
Letter: Let's hear all sides in drug debate
Don Barnard, Legalise Cannabis Alliance East Anglian Daily Times
Wednesday 01 Mar 2000 Let's hear all sides in drug debate I write in connection with the comments of former Felixstowe mayor Dennis Carpenter and current mayor Malcolm Minns in Drug smuggler's show branded disgraceful (EADT, March 9). Mr Carpenter said Howard Marks' show "creates a poor Image for the town and was quite shocking and disgraceful." What absolute nonsense. As for the £10 subsidy, he should be more concerned about how the anti-drug budget has increased from £526million in 1994 to an estimated £1.8billion today and rising. And how the war on some drugs is beginning to infringe on private life. However, Mr Minns observed: "If his (Howard Marks') story is told constructively it could serve as an effective warning against the nature and consequences of drugs and all that goes with it. His appearance may well do more good than harm." As far back as 1994, MP Tony Newton, then a Tory cabinet minister, was commenting: "The case for change lies with those who are seeking to relax the law and the Government does not accept that this has been made out. Nonetheless, it is clear that the debate can be conducted in good faith by responsible people who can respect each other's views." Anti-drugs minister Mo Mowlam says: No one is talking about decriminalisation." Surely Lord Newton and Mr Minn's views are correct - we need to hear from all sides in the drug debate -including reformed fun-loving ex-cannabis smugglers. Only then can we have a truly open and honest dialogue regarding the future of UK drug control policies, one in which fear, prejudice and punitive prohibition yield to common sense, science, public health, human rights and practicality. Howard is right, the law is silly. Perhaps Mr Carpenter and others of his ilk should consider attending one of Mr Marks' shows. I can assure them they will have a very informative and entertaining evening. DON BARNARD, Legalise Cannabis Alliance Braintree Essex
After you have finished reading this article you can click here to go back.
|
This page was created by the Cannabis Campaigners' Guide.
Feel free to link to this page!