Harper's policy on the drug trade

Once again, Harper is setting the pace in the election campaign.

He laid out his party's strategy on drugs today in Burnaby, and it includes mandatory minimums for drug crimes and no conditional sentences for those convicted of serious drug crimes.

I agree with Harper's approach. However, it seems that he buys into the "gateway theory" of marijuana use. I think this reflects an overly puritanical belief regarding pot. If pot is a gateway to harder drugs, then shouldn't beer, wine and spirits be banned because they are a gateway to pot?

Besides, I've never known anyone to beat their wife after puffing a J, have you? On the other hand, we've all heard stories of those who have had a few drinks and gotten violent.

I think Harper shouldn't let the "Reefer Madness" tendencies of some in the Tory party to dictate their thinking on the issue of marijuana. Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is that Canadian policy on dope is dictated by DC.