Common sense, discretion prevail

Re: Canadian federal government announces new marijuana legislation

The subject of the legalization of marijuana disturbs me.

My reasoning on this issue is not what one would expect.

We have listened to the “opinions” of our mayor and his “experience” in Colorado. Well, the last time I checked, I woke up with the sun shining on Canadian soil.

Let’s face reality: We, as a people and a society, are far more tolerant, responsible and open to new concepts than our American friends.

I recently saw a commentary on Amsterdam and the drug problem. It is a cesspool — I’ve been there. I can tell you stories of hard-drug users on the streets and canals of the city’s core that still make my skin crawl.

That is the culture in that city, but here in Canada we are only looking at marijuana — period. We need to be progressive within a common Canadian sentiment.

Legalization of recreational marijuana does not affect me — I don’t indulge. But the bottom line is it’s available everywhere and always will be.

Think about this: The topless-in-public law in Ontario was overturned. Have you seen any women walking around exposed? No. Why? Common sense and discretion. It’s a wonderful Canadian attribute.

Let those who want to use marijuana use it. All anyone will see is a few people smoking up in public to make a defiant point because it’s a new toy. Then after a month, the new toy will simply relegate itself to the closet and it will not affect our society.

I hate to tell you, but that’s the reality. Chris Adam, Tecumseh