Cant and cannabis
From Mr Harry Ambrose Sir: So, Matthew Parris is tempted to vote Liberal Democrat because of Mr Charles Kennedy's promise of an open review on whether to legalise cannabis (Another Voice, 21 August). His motivation is not any particular regard for drugs (though his prodigious writing output surely suggests some use of stimulants to keep up his level of frenzied activity), but a dislike of cant.
But surely the use of Royal Commissions and reviews is another manifestation of cant? They are a disingenuous device used by insincere politicians who are frightened to reveal their prejudices but want to force a progressive agenda on a conservative public while giving the impression of having an open mind. Indeed, Mr Parris points out that most people realise that wanting a review means wanting liberalisation.
It would be far more courageous for Mr Kennedy to cut the pious snivellings about wanting to listen to all the arguments and take a robust stance.
Harty Ambrose
Kwekwe, Zimbabwe
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