Arrest of BCMP Leader Sparks Outrage

Sunday, August 07, 2005 04:00 AM

submitted by Steve Wolfe

Friday July 29, 2005 was a dark day for Canadian sovereignty and political freedom. Local municipalities have now been drafted as soldiers in the US war on the marijuana plant. The arrests of BCMP Leader Marc Emery, BCMP Vice-President Michelle Rainey and activist Greg Williams were an outrage and we must now stand strong together to fight this injustice.

As of today, Marc and Greg remain in custody awaiting bail hearings. Michelle has been released after posting a very substantial cash bond. It is expected that the Crown will seek a similar bond for Greg, but will ask that Marc be detained in custody. Detention is rare in Canada, with the presumption being in favor of release, but it will be up to the Judge to decide.

What are the ramifications of this raid for political freedom and civil liberties in Canada? It is almost unheard of for one country to invade another and attempt to apprehend its citizens – these drastic tactics have, in the past, been reserved for serial killers, not alleged seed sellers. Only once in my memory has the US invaded foreign soil to go after alleged drug dealers: In 1989 President G.W. Bush ordered the US military to invade and kidnap Manuel Noreiga, the President of Panama. The BCMP is calling on prominent civil rights groups and lawyers to stand against this incursion into Canadian freedoms. This issue goes far beyond marijuana - it is a question of basic political freedom.

To what extent is Canada prepared to kowtow to draconian US drug policy? The bottom line is that the US and Canada have very different beliefs about marijuana. Those charged in the raids face potential life terms in US federal prison while, just days ago, the BC Court of Appeal said that a 2 year sentence for growing 100 marijuana plants was too harsh and imposed probation instead. The differences do not stop there. The US government says that medical marijuana is a “cruel hoax” while Canada distributes bags of pot directly to patients. One thing the countries do have in common, however, is that a majority of each country’s population support progressive marijuana law reform.

This public support for reform has the US government worried. The raids are clearly politically motivated. Vancouver is home to dozens of seed sellers, some on the same block, but only one - Marc Emery - is an outspoken activist for reform. The DEA targeted Emery, according to statements from the DEA press conference, because of his “arrogance.” This is, clearly, code for his political activism. Canada must stand up to the US and refuse to surrender its sovereignty any further.

submitted by Steve Wolfe, the BCMP candidate for Prince George in the last provincial election
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Posted on Sunday, August 07, 2005 04:00 AM in Views by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: gypsy on August 7 2005 9:16 AM

Oh sure- and "good luck" to Canada standing up to the U S on any issue. They are too busy "butt" kissing and selling us out to take a stand. We get ripped off by the Americans on a never ending basis, and we are the most "gutless" country I can think of. We even forgive millions owing for hydro, and cannot make up our minds as to whether we should be fighting this Softwood lumber rip off or just saying,"It's O.K., we like to pay whatever you demand, or damn close to it!." Now they want control of our judicial system, and think they have the right to dictate to our courts and judges. We are the idiots for allowing this invasion. We will never feel we are in any position to "stand up" to the U.S. and the politicians we elect will always be nothing but a pack of "wimps."
Watch out-when the U S really decides to invade us, we will most certainly all become Americans, and they will own us lock, stock and barrel.
Anyone who cannot see the writing on the wall is "turning a blind eye," or else Canadians just do not care any longer. All the "arrogance" is on the AMERICAN side, and in this game of chess they are playing, we are the pawns waiting to be wiped off the board, and let back on when we have been beaten into submission. Won't take much!!!! We are almost there.

Posted by: owl on August 7 2005 1:28 PM

I just did bit of "snooping" on the net.

There are sellers of seeds in the UK as well as the Netherlands. In fact, one site is registered in the Netherlands, but is actually a UK distributor who has a disclaimer at the bottom that the seeds are for souvenir purposes only and cautioning that cultivation is a criminal offense in many countries as is receiving the seeds, thus one should be careful.

Part of the disclaimer reads:
"We only sell marijuana Seeds as souvenirs. We will export Marijuana ,Cannabis Seeds to any country around the world . HOWEVER please note that YOU importing these seeds may be a CRIMINAL OFFENCE for which the punishment may well be far in excess of the actual crime."

So, maybe George needs to talk to Tony, or is the UK too tough for the US to tackle on such a petty issue while they are on common ground in a foreign country trying to figure out what the heck they got themselves into?

Looks like it might be time to resurect the War on Drugs.

Posted by: Chadermando on August 7 2005 3:54 PM

IMO this case represents an affront to Canadian sovereignty and the rights of Canadian citizens.

It is the front tip of the spear that says foreign laws can apply to Canadians for legitimate politics and business conducted in Canada. I fear that the implications of this case set the precidence that political disidents in Canada can be extradited to the US for incarceration based on their political beliefs.

Considering that America is now occupied territory of the US Federal Reserve banking elite and that this will enevitably lead to a showdown between a democracy of the people and a democracy of the financial elite, it now becomes a precidence to ensure there is no safe haven for those that will politically resist an American dictatorship in a peacefull and democratic fashion.

This extradition attempt is to make Palistinians out of Canadians with the help of our own Canadian courts. Our Canadian courts and politicians should be asshamed of themselves and charged with treason if this case is allowed to proceed.

Today its legally sold marijuana seed, and next it will be cases of aiding political subversion such as opposition to America's imperial wars that Canadians have choosen not to participate in.

We can not allow business that is legal in Canada to be subject to American extradition attempts based on America's extremist based legal system.

This is an issue for every soul in Canada and America that values freedom, liberty, sovereignty, and the right to rules based political self determination within the political system.

Posted by: Steev on August 7 2005 4:08 PM

Thanks Chader and everyone for the comments.
It is true, this is the tip of the spear. This presents very real problems with the current political landscape.
One could imagine Uncle Sam has been licking his lips in anticipation for the entrance of the 51st State for a long time.

Also, obviously my opinion in the matter is quite biased, but the legalization of marijuana is a very important rights issue. I'd be glad to answer any questions or concerns regarding the matter.

beesee_budd@hotmail.com

Posted by: Chadermando on August 7 2005 5:50 PM

Steve, I wonder if it is now possible that we Canadians demand the extradition to Canada the leadership of the NRA for their advocacy of legal hand guns that American gun dealers are selling into Canada.

I would think if this works both ways then an extradition order should be exercised against those in America who are selling guns legal in America, but not in Canada.

Posted by: owl on August 7 2005 7:03 PM

Here is a disclaimer on a USA gun site.... :

" ********** does not assume liability, nor is any created, by any representations made herein. Obeyance of federal, state and local law is your obligation. You should consult with your local authority(ies). "

As with the OK site for marijuana seeds, it is the purchaser who needs to be aware of the local laws, not the seller.

As you say, if one reacts this way with respect to marijuana seeds, then one must apply the same prinicile across the board.