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ST. THOMAS (April-July, 1997) - Fp's representative in Elgin, Ray Monteith, has been distributing his essay, 'Drugs Should Be Legalized', to police, politicians, and the media, and has even written US president Bill Clinton to state his objections to that country's prohibitive and destructive drug policies. (See article from last issue of Freedom Flyer.) First published by Fp as a separate article, his essay also appeared in Fp's last issue of Consent (#27).
Monteith also mailed his essay, along with personal covering letters, to MP Allan Rock (Etobicoke Centre) and MP Keith Martin (Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca), and personally handed copies to MP Gar Knutson (Elgin-Norfolk) and to the mayors of St. Thomas and London.
"I must say that I do not support the legalization of drugs, as I have seen what that has led to in other countries such as Holland," wrote London mayor Dianne Haskett in an April 30 letter to Monteith. "I support the laws as they now stand."
"I don't know what she's talking about," responded Monteith in a media release issued by Fp in May. Monteith, who recently witnessed Holland's liberal drug policies first hand, added, "I didn't see any problems with marijuana there at all. But I did see a lot of freedom, freedom that we do not enjoy here in Canada. When it comes to drugs, (Canadians) are living in a police state."
In a follow-up letter to Haskett, Monteith wrote: "I am sorry to hear that you do not support the legalization of drugs. Given your stand, I can only assume that you would like to see an individual like Chris Clay in jail. Is this so, or am I mistaken?
"In the hopes that I am mistaken, I would really appreciate hearing your response to this question. However, if you do believe that Mr. Clay belongs in jail, perhaps you could let me know what purpose would be served by this. Your response would go a long way in helping me understand why so many in authority seem to spend so much of their time restricting the personal freedom of others."
As of this writing, Monteith has not received a second response from Haskett.
A somewhat more constructive response was received from St. Thomas mayor Stephen Peters who, in an April 30 letter, carefully avoided making any comments on the Clay case, and advised Monteith that his concern would be best dealt with at the federal level. Much to his credit, he informed Monteith that his letter and essay were being forwarded to St. Thomas Police Chief Wayne Howard, Gord Campbell, Chairman of the Police Services Board, and to Roy Main, City Administrator.
If changes to Canada's drug laws depend upon a federal response, we could be waiting for a long time. As of this writing, no response has been received from MPs Rock or Martin, and the form letter response from MP Gar Knutson was perhaps worse than no response.
In his letter to Knutson, Monteith specifically asked, in referring to Canada's drug laws: "I would greatly appreciate it if you could let me know how you personally feel about this issue. Do you believe our drug laws have actually solved any drug problems? If so, how would you explain the increase in drug use and the crime associated with it? If not, on what grounds would you support the continuation of our existing laws?"
Knutson's response: "I appreciate you taking the time to forward a copy of your letter to me. I always like to hear the comments and concerns of the constituents in our newly formed riding of Elgin-Middlesex-London. If I can be of assistance with another matter of a federal nature, please do not hesitate to contact my office."
It would appear, from the responses (or lack thereof) received thus far, that the municipal politicians who are NOT in a position to change Canada's drug laws seem at least willing to acknowledge the issue, whereas federal politicians who ARE in a position to do something, simply don't want to talk about it.
GET THE DETAILS! Copies of Monteith's correspondence, and the responses, are available to Fp members and supporters on request. Contact us!
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last updated on April 28, 2002
