cannabisnews.com: New Government Presents Its Coalition Agreement 










  New Government Presents Its Coalition Agreement 

Posted by CN Staff on July 03, 2002 at 12:11:14 PT
By Edwin Demper, Associated Press Writer  
Source: Associated Press 

Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Refugees will have a harder time winning asylum, and new immigrants will have to learn Dutch. Restrictions will be tightened on marijuana shops, and ecstasy users won't be able to test their pills at parties for safety. A new Dutch government is preparing to take power six weeks after the elections, promising to be stricter on immigration, tougher on crime, and less sympathetic toward workers claiming disability payements — one of every five in the work force.
On Wednesday, the three parties that agreed to govern together presented their coalition agreement to Parliament for endorsement. The 45-page document will be debated Thursday, and the new government will assume office as soon as it finalizes its list of Cabinet ministers.It will be the first center-right governing alliance in 25 years, a departure from the wide-ranging coalitions of the past that was led by, or at least included, the leftist Labor Party.The coalition of the Christian Democratic Alliance, the anti-immigrant party Pim Fortuyn's List and the free-market Liberals has a solid majority of 98 seats in the 150-member Second Chamber, the policymaking house of parliament.Jan Peter Balkenende, the 46-year-old leader of the Christian Democrats, is slated to become prime minister, replacing the veteran Labor leader Wim Kok. Before the Christian Democrats were ousted by Kok's coalition in 1994, the party had been in every government since the 1950s.Political scientist Moniek Leyenaar of the University of Nijmegen said the coalition document marks "a sharp turn to the right" after years of left-leaning cabinets.The agreement focuses on the economy, immigration and crime, giving scant attention to issues that preoccupied the previous government, such as protecting the environment and building a multicultural society.An old fashioned advocate of family values in one of the world's most freewheeling societies, Balkenende has said he had no intention of rolling back landmark legislation of the previous government legalizing euthanasia and accepting gay marriages, and would not close the "coffee shops" that openly sell cannabis.But the coalition agreement says vaguely the new government will "review the effectiveness" of the euthanasia law, which allows doctors under strict supervision to end the life of patients suffering terminal ailments.Coffee shops will be moved farther from schools and away from the borders. Authorities will be tougher on the use of recreational drugs, and the testing of ecstasy pills at dance parties will "be stopped." In recent years, health officials set up testing facilities at parties to ensure the pills weren't laced with toxic chemicals.Even before it takes power, the three-party coalition already has been shadowed by rivalries within the controversial Pim Fortuyn's List, named for its founder who was murdered nine days before the election.Without Fortuyn, whose strident politics and flamboyant lifestyle galvanized the election, the ad hoc party he created earlier this year has been left leaderless and floundering.Fortuyn's List is likely to play a marginal role. Nevertheless, some of Fortuyn's much trumpeted policies are embedded in the coalition document — though largely toned down.The document does not call for closing Dutch borders to new immigrants, as Fortuyn did. But it would require refugees and immigrants to enroll in courses in the Dutch language and culture. Nearly 18 percent of the Netherlands' 16 million residents are of non-Dutch origin.The accord also promises to stiffen asylum policy, already one of the toughest in Europe.Leyenaar, the political scientist, said the document lacks vision or an underlying philosophy."The agreement is not creative," Leyenaar said. "It only looks at the next four years, but not beyond that."Complete Title: New Government Presents Its Coalition Agreement and Gets Ready for Power Source: Associated PressAuthor: Edwin Demper, Associated Press Writer Published: Wednesday, July 3, 2002 Copyright: 2002 Associated Press Related Articles:Go To Holland Before It's Too Latehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread12873.shtmlDutch Voters Turn To The Righthttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread12865.shtml

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Comment #37 posted by kaptinemo on July 05, 2002 at 07:39:37 PT:
'Slow', my posterior
I've been lucky to do a lot of traveling in Canada, and can say that their educational system (judging from the conversations that I've had with numerous Canadians from across nearly all the Provinces that I visited [Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and BC] has prevented the 'dumbing down' that American schools have suffered from.In short, Canux are anything but 'slow'. Government?...yes, I can say that the Canadian government is 'slow'...and maybe that's a Godsend. The most efficient governments generally are tyrannies. But 'slow' people? I've yet to spend more than a few minutes having to explain the backgrounds of anything I was conversing about with my Canuck friends...and they've, on more than one occasion, taught me plenty about something I thought I could plead 'knowledgeable' in.As to Lehder's remarks, I tend to agree; no government so top heavy with Big Oil crooks wants an aware citizenry asking tough questions. They want unquestioning robots who auto-destruct from alcohol and nicotine usage before their (ever increasing) mandatory retirement age makes it necessary to pay any benefits.I have no doubt whatsoever that there were patriotic Jews who loved Germany but also saw the same kind of people rise to power along with Hitler. Hitler had practically telegraphed his intentions towards the Jews and other 'undesirables' in Mein Kampf...in 1927. Long before he became Reichkanzler in 1933. Yet, even after the madman had ascended to power and began doing just what he'd promised he'd do to the Jews, many Jews and others couldn't believe him. It took only a few of the anti-Jew laws being posted before the smarter ones realized things had gone too far and they left.We all know what happened to the ones who didn't.This from an earlier posting at CNews:
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13259.shtml"The vector by which that disease (drug addiction) is spread is the occasional nonaddicted user," Walters said. "They have a friend, usually a peer, who says, `It's fun, it's safe, you can handle it.' And that's how they start. And all too many of those individuals end up with a serious problem. "We are going to vigorously attack the nonaddicted, casual user." Walters said recent ads linking drug purchases with support of terrorism are examples of that attack. He said people must be educated, in schools, offices, families, churches and hospitals, so they can identify the signs of drug use and confront individuals they think are involved.Hitler telegraphed his intentions well ahead of the time he actually implemented them. Mr. Walters, ever a purblind government functionary and seemingly ignorant of history, has just telegraphed his. I love this country...but it's run by murderous thieves who think nothing of destroying harmless people's lives to stay on top of a teetering financial structure that's threatening massive collapse. It's long past time to look for real estate elswehere. 
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Comment #36 posted by R-Earing on July 04, 2002 at 08:00:57 PT:
about trucking in Canada
There would be NO problem getting a job as a driver. with the NAFTA de-regulation occurring ,most trucking on this continent will be done by Mexican firms.Their cost of operation is very,very competitive.Many Canadian truckers are leaving the industry as a result.When you consider high fuel costs and taxes and high repair costs it's almost a no go situation.About Americans owning houses:a couple of provinces do have laws that prohibit foreign ownership of FARM land,if it is not going to be occupied by the owner.BC rental real estate:if you choose to live in popular urban areas,you will pay a premium price.Same goes for "resort" areas.However,since a heavy tariff was imposed on softwood lumber,the economy of many small lumber towns has been substantially depressed.As a result there are great deals to be had.Landlords would be happy just to have their places occupied.Anyone planning to legally apply for citizenship must be aware that it takes ages and ages for the feds to process the applications.Your unborn kids will be in college by the time they make up their minds-giving you a perfect excuse to stay.We're a little slow,ehhhhh?
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Comment #35 posted by Lehder on July 04, 2002 at 00:20:24 PT
No, I meant Stupid.
The question was, I'm not even sure what type of people they want and the answer is Stupid, meaning a permanent condition and not one that can be remedied: that's their ideal citizen. Bush and Ashcroft - stupid or ignorant? Answer: stupid. 
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Comment #34 posted by Industrial Strength on July 03, 2002 at 23:19:47 PT
Bread and Circuses
Roman leaders had figured out the system: Keep the general populace fed and entertained and that is all they will want. They won't revolt. People are so placated by 99 cent big macs and survivor, they just don't care. Ceaser would be proud.
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Comment #33 posted by MikeEEEEE on July 03, 2002 at 21:16:49 PT
Lehder, FoM
Ignorant is a better word for the sheep. I recently met a person that didn't care about current events, this person only cared about paying bills, and there you have it. Most Americans are too busy working to pay their bills to care: very well conditioned by the system. Like powerless farm animals or sheep they stand by and let their freedoms go. Lack of caring about politics has brought us this day of prohibition and will likely result in more freedoms being taken away, that's until they wake up.
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Comment #32 posted by FoM on July 03, 2002 at 20:27:22 PT

Lehder
Stupid people is one way of saying it and so is ignorant. I was talking to my niece the other day and I mentioned a few political issues that I thought everyone knew about but she didn't. She isn't stupid but she was ignorant of what is going on. If people don't have the internet to learn they are at the mercy of the news on tv and we know how they only say what they are allowed to say. Bill Maher getting canceled is proof of that. Hopefully more people will get on line and use the Internet as a learning tool. That's the only hope we have.
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Comment #31 posted by Lehder on July 03, 2002 at 20:01:41 PT

people types
It seems so unfair that our political leaders only seem to want a
   certain type of people to live here. I'm not even sure what type of people they want
   though. I'm sure that I know. They want stupid people here. You must be stupid to get on well here. At the very least you gotta be skillful at feigning stupidity, a tiresome job if it doesn't come natural to you, and pretend to enjoy movies like... what's the name of that - Homer Gump or somethin' - that's what you gotta enjoy. Stupid, and the only question you should ask is, "How high."They're the conservative stupid who want to kill you, the liberal stupid who want to force-educate your kids about drugs even before they're old enough to learn Creation Science. You might think my answer is a little casual. It's not, and it is complete. They want stupid people here. (.) It's that simple. It's next to impossible to fight, and it's an excellent reason to leave. The application for landed immigrant status takes about 18 months to process and I think about $1500, a small price for a better life among a wiser and far nicer, more respectful, peaceful and courteous people. If you're tired of US bullshit, then I encourage you to leave and wish you well. PAZ

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Comment #30 posted by FoM on July 03, 2002 at 20:01:22 PT

Drugs and Terror Connection
Narco-Terror: The International Connection Between Drugs and Terror

By The Honorable Asa Hutchinson 
 
 June 20, 2002 
 
http://www.heritage.org

We understand from our study of history that the maintenance of democracy requires in essence two things: sacrifice and participation. We also know from our study of current culture that sacrifice and participation are contrary to the concept of drug use.

Drug abusers become slaves to their habits. They are no longer able to contribute to the community. They do not have healthy relationships with their families. They are no longer able to use their full potential to create ideas or to energetically contribute to society, which is the genius of democracy. They are weakened by the mind-numbing effects of drugs. The entire soul of our society is weakened and our democracy is diminished by drug use.

Many, in the name of freedom, say drug use should be permissible. The argument is that the government should have a hands-off attitude toward drug use and that if individuals exercise their freedom, they should be able to exercise it toward drug use or drug abuse. But that very freedom is jeopardized by drug addiction. When an addict takes cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, or a whole host of other drugs, he is not only changing the chemistry of the body, but little by little diminishing the character of a nation.

Complete Article: http://www.heritage.org/library/lecture/hl751.html
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Comment #29 posted by FoM on July 03, 2002 at 19:16:10 PT

Political Leaders Views On Drugs
Hi Everyone,I thought this was interesting so here it is!http://www.issues2002.org/Drugs.htm#Colin_Powell
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Comment #28 posted by Industrial Strength on July 03, 2002 at 18:02:43 PT

immigration
We moved here in '91...Had all the positives Lehder mentioned though.Cannabis laws throughout Canada are very relaxed, Vancouver or BC is becoming a buzz word that as a Manitoban I find almost annoying. Let them have it, keep this to me and mine :) I've seen all of Canada West of where I am (not very far to the East though) and all of it balances out in my opinion. Sure, the West has the mountains, but the sky here is just as good. The stars at night. I really do love it here.I can understand everyone not wanting to leave where they are, as I'm sure you feel the same way about your area as I do about mine. Canada is a different place though.
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Comment #27 posted by mayan on July 03, 2002 at 17:45:28 PT

unrelated...
9/11:A Controlled Burn - 
http://www.scoop.co.nz/archive/scoop/stories/2a/df/200207031114.71ab0668.htmlThe Real Deal on 9/11: Rewarding Failure -
http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0205/S00173.htm
 
Lehman employee on drug money charges:
http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1025204337114&p=1012571727176"Dirty Money" Foundation of US Growth and Empire: 
http://www.fromthewilderness.com/free/economy/053101_banks.html
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on July 03, 2002 at 17:20:06 PT

Naaps
Thanks once again. I went into the site and liked it and bookmarked it to look at. I am like SpaceCat and it is hard to give up on the USA. We built our home ourselves. It took us 5 years and we lived in it while we were building it which was an adventure to say the least. Living in a house and doing dry wall was about the worst part. We live in an area that looks much like the Sunshine Coast except we just have a large lake near us but it is unlimited horsepower for boats. I've been in many states but never out of the country. I have seen Canada when we were up at Sault St. Marie( sp) but never there and would like to at least see your country sometime and if need be leave here and start over again one more time. It isn't as easy as it was to start over again anymore. 
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Comment #25 posted by Lehder on July 03, 2002 at 17:16:08 PT

psychological disorder
FoM you have said it very simply and very well and that is surely how it seems to me too: that US political leaders want "only a certain type of people to live here." And I read mayan's link about the government funding research into mind altering drugs for use in crowd control, for example, in dealing with "prison situations" or in dealing with a crowd of "hungry people excited about food distribution." The article says that the people in charge of this program regard dissent as a "psychological disorder." It's just getting too crazy for me here. But it's not so easy to just get up and "go to Canada," as much as I'd like to. I'd want to go there in a way that allows me to stay permanently, and that means acceptance as a "landed immigrant." You can easily find the application on the Internet. It uses a point system. Having a job lined up, speaking French, having close Canadian relatives, an advanced education all help; age over 40 hurts. It's not so easy, and if you just blow in, then you may not be able to stay beyond 6 months, you probably cannot get a Canadian driver's license, and I'm not sure if you can buy real estate in Canada. Does anybody know the rules? Can a US citizen buy a house in Canada? A US real estate agent told me that only Canadians can buyCanadian property, but of course she wanted to sell me a house in a US war zone.I really wish I had gone decades ago when this country tried to draft me into its armies.
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Comment #24 posted by SpaceCat on July 03, 2002 at 16:59:57 PT

Naaps, IS
Excellent info, thanks. I was worried about the tax stuff, sounds like I'm justified. I'm not thinking of moving to Canada permanently, just exploiting the exchange rate :)Isolated and rural sounds like a bonus from that perspective. Obviously I have to go see for myself.IS, I agree Winnipeg is a great city. A gem on the prairie. Vancouver has a lot of appeal though, not just for the culture but also the fact that Seattle and San Fran are so close. I'm really can't see myself giving up on the old USA (although I'm not averse to covering all bases). That might have a lot to do with living in Minnesota. It's not that tolerant a place, but has an extremely strong MYOB ethic that makes it pretty easy for all stripes to get along. Naaps description of BC cannabis laws sound pretty much like they are here. Besides, we're almost as cold as Canada! 
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Comment #23 posted by Naaps on July 03, 2002 at 16:55:03 PT

The Sunshine Coast
FOM, check out the sunshine coast website.
http://www.thesunshinecoast.comRecall that the Kubbys, Renee Bennett, nee Boje, the Hayes, and other Americans reside in Roberts Creek. The sunshine coast is a 40 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver.I’m sure that a person who owns their own semi truck and trailer would be able to lease on to Canadian Trucking Company.The coastal BC Climate is mild. Rarely too cold or too warm, but it can rain in the winter for a week straight. For someone affected by Seasonal Disaffective Disorder this might be a concern. The mountains are heavily forested. Mt. Elphenstein in Roberts Creek is a world ecological heritage site, having over a 1000 species of mushrooms. The area is clean and scenic, the air is fresh and the Straight of Georgia offers opportunity for sailing, boating, fishing, and especially scuba diving.The essentials are available in both Sechelt and Gibsons. For special shopping one could be in Downtown Vancouver in probably just over an hour traveling time, though you may have to wait at the ferry terminal prior to sailing.

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Comment #22 posted by FoM on July 03, 2002 at 16:47:38 PT

BGreen
We don't have a cell phone but have been thinking about getting one. I don't know if it is cheaper or more expensive the way we use our phone. I don't make many calls. Since I've been on line I use the Internet rather then a phone unless it is absolutely necessary. 
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Comment #21 posted by mayan on July 03, 2002 at 16:42:18 PT

compensation?
Coffee shops will be moved farther from schools and away from the borders. Authorities will be tougher on the use of recreational drugs, and the testing of ecstasy pills at dance parties will "be stopped." In recent years, health officials set up testing facilities at parties to ensure the pills weren't laced with toxic chemicals.You're right,JR Bob Dobbs. Tourists will now have to go further into Holland. Maybe their government fears losing British tourist dollars(if, or when the Brits go decrim) & they want to lure the Germans,French,etc. further into the country to spend their money on other goods & services, rather than them just crossing the border for some hash & heading back home. Here is a very frightening article!
Bombing the Mind:
The Pentagon's Program for Psychopharmalogical Warfare -
http://www.counterpunch.org/hammond0702.html
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Comment #20 posted by BGreen on July 03, 2002 at 16:36:01 PT

We're getting rid of our land line
We have cell phones, so the only reason we had a land line was for the internet. By the time we paid for the land line and the ISP, we were paying more a month than we are for the cable modem.Faster, and cheaper!
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on July 03, 2002 at 16:31:18 PT

BGreen
That's wonderful! I love my satellite. Video's are clear and you can do so much more when you can get where you want to go. I love not being hooked up to a phone line and not disconnecting as soon as I would walk away from the computer. Enjoy!!!
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Comment #18 posted by BGreen on July 03, 2002 at 16:24:21 PT

Please excuse my exuberance, but ....
I got a cable modem! I got a cable modem! I got a cable modem!I never thought broadband would make it to my house (except satellite, but I didn't have the up-front cash,) but, once again, I've taken a giant leap into the 1990's. Whoohoo!
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on July 03, 2002 at 16:17:46 PT

Naaps 
Thank you for the details. Very interesting. Are there any pictures of houses for sale on the sunshine coast online? Can a person have their own semi truck and trailer and lease on to a company in Canada? How rural is the sunshine coast from shopping etc.? What are the temperatures during the summer and winter?
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Comment #16 posted by Naaps on July 03, 2002 at 16:01:02 PT

Moving to Canada
With President Bush, seconded by John Walters, declaring that drug use in America is to be reduced by 10% in the next two years, and by 25% in the next five years, the consequences for otherwise benign cannabis users will be adverse. I can understand the interest in possibly relocating to Canada, or more specifically, to British Columbia. I, for one, would welcome all people tired of, and persecuted by, the never-ending war on some drugs to come to Canada.Essentially, possession of an ounce of Cannabis in British Columbia doesn’t merit an arrest. This is based on a standing Attorney General’s order, issued in 1996, which was intended to free up court time. The ounce would, however, be confiscated.Having a burning joint in your vehicle would land you a 24-hour roadside suspension, meaning that the next day you would retrieve your vehicle after paying a storage and towing fee.Growing cannabis, as the report issued by Criminologist Darryl Plecas found usually doesn’t result in prison time, though the extent to which charges are pressed depends on the particular jurisdiction. The real reason Mom and Pop gardening activities have been curtailed is that authorities grab the children. This is an egregious affront, and explains why Plecas found the average grower was a 35 year old white male with multiple arrest criminal history.For medical users, there is a number of cannabis clubs running. True, some of the clubs have been busted, but they have bounced back. All the clubs expect proper doctors recommendations prior to one becoming a member.Drug testing is rarely required. The courts of Canada have ruled that drug addiction is a disease, and it is illegal to discriminate, so an employee who might otherwise test positive, generally won’t be tested, unless the company wants to sport for the treatment. There is some exceptions, such as truckers hauling freight across the line, but drug testing is rarely an issue. In British Columbia, there is plenty of high quality cannabis. Prices for a good ounce vary between $175 to $225 Canadian. Actually, prices dropped slightly after 911.Is Canada going to decriminalize or legalize Cannabis? We’ll see, the Senate Committee will probably advocate such a stance, but the House Committee probably will not. Canada should have the capacity to shape their own drug policies, but there’s a reluctance to offend the USA.Presently, there’s $1.5 Billion dollars of trade a day between our countries. America accounts for 87% of our exports. 25% of the Canadian workforce depends on trade with America. It only takes a dirty look and a threat of closing the border to have Canadian politicians jumping to meet whatever expectations America has regarding deploring and controlling drugs.Home prices vary considerably. Vancouver has the highest prices in the country, while homes on the Gulf Islands, or the Sunshine Coast are deceptively cheap. Living outside of the urban region limits employment opportunities, hence the prices are much lower. If one can work from home, or online, then living on an island may be attractive.One thing Americans have in their favor is the currency exchange rate. Compared to the USA, Canada does have higher taxes. Also, some occupations don’t pay as well here. Lastly, the gun laws are markedly different.

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Comment #15 posted by p4me on July 03, 2002 at 16:00:04 PT

Protest Pictures from UK
Thanks to the internet we have 19 pictures concerning Colin Davies removal from the courtroom to his return to Strangeways prison awaiting trial on September 9th. Picture 31 (second from last) has a banner that reads DROP ALL DE CHARGES. There will be protest in Manchester because that is when and where the bail hearing will be. There will be another protest scheduled for Saturday when people are off work. Picture link:http://www.test-lab.org/Colin_Davies/index.htm1,2
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Comment #14 posted by freedom fighter on July 03, 2002 at 15:57:56 PT

Vancouver is a place
to go. Very beautiful. I went there twice back then and I would love to go there again. From my research there are plenty of good deals on real estates. Does not have to be in Vancouver but close to the town. Easy to get citzenship in Canada if one would start a business that give jobs to Canadians. Taxes in B.C. are very high thou. But then, alllll cars/trucks are insured. Everyone have health insurance. It's not perfect but heck, people are friendly and generous. I used to be a peddler and I sure heck made alot of money up there. As of now, getting across the border stops are getting tougher everyday. ff
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Comment #13 posted by Industrial Strength on July 03, 2002 at 15:31:26 PT

spacecat
I dont know much about Vancouver, but Winnipeg is really cheap, really nice, small, hardly any pollution, hardly any crime, traffic is manageable...The Osbourne district is really laid back, the only drawback is the winters. I live an hours drive from Winnipeg...My parents got this house in '92, its a four bedroom, typical ranch style house with four acres, a barn and another big shed and it only cost $30,000 Canadian. Tax siezure though.
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Comment #12 posted by TroutMask on July 03, 2002 at 14:03:38 PT

Canada vs. US
imho, Canada is soon going to decrim at the very least. Whether it is done nicely via their government or done with their government kicking and screaming when the laws are struck down as unconstitutional remains to be seen. also imho, when it finally happens it spells DOOM for marijuana prohibition in the US.even ignoring all that, Nevada may become an acceptable place to live if they decrim this year and again in 2004. the vast majority of marijuana arrests are made by state authorities. and if the state allows possession, you are very unlikely to get busted for personal use.I'm optimistic that US policy will begin to change dramatically within 5 years. I think I'll wait and see for a while.by the way, there is (was) a meeting of the Canadian Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs today to consider a draft of their final report. I hope someone somewhere reports on what happened. I'm eagerly awaiting the final report scheduled for release next month. All indications are that it will suggest decriminalization of marijuana if not legalization for adult use.-TM
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Comment #11 posted by p4me on July 03, 2002 at 13:56:25 PT

wrong link
The link in comment 9 goes to an article about the present economic situation- a Perfect economic storm of inflation, recession, and a sickened stock market. The article about the killings in Bolivia at Busch urging and Busch funding is the lead article at http://counterpunch.org/1,2
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Comment #10 posted by p4me on July 03, 2002 at 13:49:34 PT

A blasting article on Bolivia
The news is being lit up on the internet with the past of Busch especially related to Harken. This links to an article about the US killing in Bolivia. This is just more justification for saying the drug wars are treason and hang them all.Jungle Fever: Bush's Bolivian Mercenaries by Chris Floyd at Common Dreams- http://www.commondreams.org/views02/0703-03.htm
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on July 03, 2002 at 13:36:07 PT

SpaceCat and everyone
I don't want to be made to leave here but what do they expect if they keep up this attack against the citizens? It seems so unfair that our political leaders only seem to want a certain type of people to live here. I'm not even sure what type of people they want though. Why do we all have to conform to what some people in power think is the only way to live?
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Comment #8 posted by JR Bob Dobbs on July 03, 2002 at 13:22:59 PT

They'll learn
>>Coffee shops will be moved farther from schools and away from the borders. Authorities will be tougher on the use of recreational drugs, and the testing of ecstasy pills at dance parties will "be stopped." In recent years, health officials set up testing facilities at parties to ensure the pills weren't laced with toxic chemicals.  When those German tourists have to drive back to the center of town, and even further into Holland, they'll learn. When people start dying from impure ecstasy, they'll learn. They're not as dogmatic as the USA. I hope...
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Comment #7 posted by SpaceCat on July 03, 2002 at 13:22:03 PT

FOM, Kap
I know nothing about Vancouver except for what my wife tells me and what I read. Her sister lived there for two years, so I'll have to get the skinny from her.A quick search of the Sunshine Coast (on the mainland) turned up 8 properties under $75,000, most looking very cottage-ey. Most of them look kind of old, but livable. I do believe my Mom is taking the granddaughters to Vancouver this fall. I may have to tag along and see for myself!
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on July 03, 2002 at 13:03:20 PT

kaptinemo 
I really mind thinking of leaving but I can't live in fear for the rest of my life. If someone has a link to an easy to get around real estate site please post it for us. I can see in my minds eye this adorable community of small cottages with 2 bedrooms and a little bit of land like an acre. Is there such a place? 
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Comment #5 posted by kaptinemo on July 03, 2002 at 12:58:15 PT:

Space, if you build it, I will come...
as well as will anyone else looking to reconnoiter...I've had a serious yen about the region long before I became cannabis-aware, if only because I've met a lot of very decent, top flight people from there; spiritual seekers of sorts, open minded, not dogmatic. My kind of people. And the way things are looking here...When they start talking ID cards for native borns, that's it, I'll be gone if I have to sell everything and arrive with just money and my clothes.I've said it many times before, I have no intention of becoming a 'dead Jew' in Ashcroft's 4rth Reich of the Rich. 
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on July 03, 2002 at 12:55:37 PT

SpaceCat
I really couldn't figure out what I was looking for. The place they call the sunshine coast where is that and do they have small cottages for sale? I know I would want to be close to Vancouver. That's about all I know. I know my way around the states but not Canada. 
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Comment #3 posted by SpaceCat on July 03, 2002 at 12:46:11 PT

Oh, Canada!
My god, the prices are cheap! Two- and three-bedroom houses with an ocean view for $59,000 Canadian (approx. 39,000 American). I've always toyed with the idea of buying a place in Winnipeg (where my wife is from) but she loves Vancouver and it would probably be much easier to rent it out (to Canna-tourists!). Two questions:Anyone know anything about rental real estate in Vancouver? Taxes, average rents, etc.? (Here in MN, rental property is taxed at THREE times the rate for owner-occupied residential).How many people here would rather stay in a nice rental property than a hotel when visiting Vancouver?Just casual questions, obviously much research and planning would have to go into it for any serious endeavor. But how encouraging!
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on July 03, 2002 at 12:26:44 PT

Vancouver Island Real Estate Board 
I thought it might be time to find real estate for sale.http://www.vireb.com/home.html
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Comment #1 posted by CongressmanSuet on July 03, 2002 at 12:19:40 PT

That settles it....
          Vancouver HO!!!!!
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