SERIOUS BUSINESS

Re: "Bud Lit," by Marc Horton, The Journal, Nov. 21.

No matter how tongue-in-cheek Marc Horton's intentions were, and
regardless of how socially acceptable marijuana use has become, the
fact remains that it is an illegal substance that is sold by
criminals to adults and children alike.

It is neither cute nor funny when police officers risk their lives
daily to uphold the law, or when children are approached by criminals
with guns and knives peddling their wares. When police are gunned
down in quiet towns and children are murdered in their "safe,
upscale" neighbourhoods, the first question that comes to mind is,
"What were the killers high on?"

Certainly someone with a severe medical condition is entitled to
appropriate pain relief. And what they choose to do in their own
home, and the example they set for their family, is their business.

Unfortunately, the majority of these suppliers are either involved in
organized crime or deal in more than just this particular plant.

I hope The Journal will exercise better judgment in the future when
deciding what material is appropriate to publish. Running stories on
how much fun pot can be while simultaneously reporting on the
escalating violence in our community is hypocritical.

Mary Minnoch

Sherwood Park