LIES, THEY'RE ALL LIES

I read the Opinion Editorial in the Dec. 5th issue of The Arbiter
entitled, "Shoot This Idea Up." I have read many such items, and love
reading them. They are usually a mix of half, quarter, and non
truths-twisted around, and put together with a lot of straw man
arguments. For those who do not know, a straw man argument is one
where you compare two non-similar things, and claim they are the same.

Mr. Stoker makes this error when he compares something done by one to
oneself, such as smoke a joint, to something bad done to someone else,
such as rape or assault. However, few writers, are able to encompass
as many lies, damned lies and misinformation into one piece. It
boggles the mind, I know not where to begin. Of course, it is much
easier for gentle reader to look it up themselves. The information
which puts forth the truth countering everything Mr. Stoker says is
found at http://www.drugwarfacts.org/ and the distortions are
summarized at www.drugwardistortions.org/. This whole opinion piece is
redolent with the odor of livestock.

Bruce Symington

Medicine Hat, Alberta