The Editor,
Re. "Is it a big deal that Liberal leader Justin Trudeau smoked pot?" (Face to Face, The Tri-City News, Sept. 6).
While Face to Face columnist Andy Radia raises some good points, I couldn't agree more with columnist Jim Nelson.
First, let me say that there is quite a difference between taking a puff one time and being a long-term user of marijuana. So, referencing a 2007 paper about the long-term effects of smoking marijuana, no matter how scientifically valid, seems a little off topic when discussing Justin Trudeau's admitted usage. The simple fact is that there is no way whatsoever that a long-term user (or "stoner") could ever have the resolve, determination, vision or resources to become a successful politician. As Nelson pointed out, this whole discussion is somewhat irrelevant, and it certainly takes our focus away from the more important issues facing our nation.
If the average citizen is anything like me, he should be far more concerned with the "real crimes" (as Nelson puts it) committed by politicians on a regular basis. What about the secret deals made behind closed doors that affect the future of our country? Let's focus on exposing the corruption and lies rather than bickering over such small matters. We, the people, have the power to hold our politicians accountable. Let's not be distracted by irrelevancies.
Obviously we don't want our leaders habitually smoking marijuana while in office, or even on vacation for that matter. But let me ask you this: Would you like a leader with a perfectly clean slate, who has never made a mistake in his/her life? Or would you prefer one who has stumbled, even fallen, but has gotten back up, learned and grown from past experiences and become a better person as a result?
Sean Cowan, Coquitlam
