Letters: August 30, 2001

Charest's drug clichés

Unlike most people, I don't blame the Young Quebec Liberals for their archaic views on marijuana [Insect, Aug. 16]. After all, they are going to one day become the perfect little drones who'll eventually lead us to that brave new world called status quo. No problems with the idealism of youth.

I do find it disgusting that the man who wants to be king, Liberal leader Jean Charest, doesn't seem to care about the wishes of the people he wants to represent.

Decriminalization of marijuana is extremely popular among Quebecers and a May poll (Léger Marketing) showed that even outright legalization is supported by half the population.

When it comes to the Neverendum, the Liberals talk about respecting the will of the majority. It's a shame that they don't believe in this concept when it comes to marijuana.

As well, I suggest that every Quebecer who has ever been arrested for possession of pot (over 30,000 still get arrested for possession in Canada every year) write the U.S. consulate in Montreal and remind them that Mr. Charest admitted to smoking pot. That admission alone is reason not to be allowed to enter the U.S. (actually, having a hemp or vegan sticker on your car is enough).

Maybe when Mr. Charest is barred from entering the Excited States, like so many of our citizens, he'll hear the voices of the people.

It must be somewhat embarrassing to Mr. Charest that stodgy Joe Clark appears to be more open-minded and hip. And using the discredited "gateway theory" suggests that Charest should travel to Europe this fall to study new drug reform policies instead of repeating clichéd Drug War rhetoric.

--Lyle Howard Seave, Drug Reform Policy Activist

Penile wordplay

The Oxford English Dictionary defines "penile" as an adjective meaning "of or involving the penis," while "penal" is defined as an adjective meaning "of or involving punishment, especially according to law."

Perhaps Siobhàn O'Connor could clarify which one she meant in her review of the British film Greenfingers [Aug. 16]. Her mention of the "English penile system" might seem more appropriate for a review of The Full Monty, but hey, you never know.

--Ella Earp-Lynch

Why gripe?

I just finished reading Matt Hays's criticism of the World Film Festival ["The word on the World," Aug. 23]. His "bitching and griping" about the bad smell that's coming from the festival left me with a question: what exactly was he bitching and griping about?

Other than an allusion to mediocrity, Hays never explains what the problem is. How about letting us non-film-critics in on the problem?

--Richard Archambault

Matthew Hays responds: As so many of us have been complaining for so long, perhaps it gets too easy to forget why we complain. But I think it was fairly clear in last week's piece: the World Film Fest administration has not remained open to criticism and debate, resulting in a stagnant festival that is poorly curated and loses many of the best films to the Toronto event, held about one week later every year. One would hope the WFF could become more open to criticism, seeing as it has received millions of dollars in taxpayer subsidy over its 25-year history. Unfortunately, it is run much like an autocracy and therefore hasn't been accountable. The result is a festival overrun with mediocrity.

Taking sides

So let me get this straight, I just want to be sure I understand: Céline and René are insects for wanting a tabloid to pay for spreading lies [Insect, Aug. 23]? That's bullying the media? Since when?

Angélil has been nasty toward legitimate press in the past, but denouncing the couple for wanting to bitch-slap a rag and a supposed journalist who for years has been cashing in on fabricated stories, is pretty weak.

Why should they, or anyone for that matter, have to tolerate being lied about? Blast them for their wrongs, not for wanting to protect their rights. My opinion is that you're backing the wrong team on this one.

--Baptiste

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