TheOtherView
Opinions from around the country

This is a staff editorial from the Daily Targum at Rutgers University.

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. Ñ Socially liberal CanadaÕs proposal to relax its marijuana laws has made American officials nervous about its ramifications south of the border.

Canadian Prime Minister Jean ChretienÕs governmentÕs decriminalization plans would make the penalty for pot possession similar to a traffic ticket. The Bush administration has shot back that if such a legislation were ever adopted, it would significantly slow trade between the North American partners, which is worth over $1 billion a day.

The United States is not in a good state to interfere in the social affairs of a country that has always proudly set itself apart from its more conservative neighbor through its tolerant society. Washington needs to recall the days when the prohibition of alcohol compelled many to cross the border for the freedom to drink, to live!

Initiating stricter border controls will not do because many will simply go to Canada to smoke and come back empty-handed. It is inevitable that the values to which Canadians adhere will find their way into the American mindset.

Americans have always looked for ways to liberate themselves, and they know very well that their attempts to experiment with such ways are hindered by a government that is so out of step with the rest of the Western world. As with most social issues, the Netherlands remains an exemplar in its progressive and open-minded policies. The nation understands that stifling its citizens causes more harm; letting them breathe free has not done damage to the fabric of its society.

A Canadian Senate committee has already recommended the full legalization of pot, indeed a very sweeping idea. Unfortunately, Canadians, even those who need marijuana for medicinal purposes, will not be able to light a joint yet, due to continued U.S. pressure. Fortunately, Canadians are fiercely independent and will not let themselves be cast as just another American state. Ultimately, trade threats will be futile. Money cannot buy their values.