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Monday, November 09, 2009
Libby Davies restates opposition to extradition of Marc Emery
NDP MP Libby Davies has a lot to offer civil libertarians.
Western Standard blogger, free speech champion and social conservative Paul Tuns wrote disapprovingly here of Davies’ efforts to legalize prostitution, a policy that libertarians, by contrast, support. In fact, I’ve personally written in support of the legalization of prostitution here and here.
Davies is also a champion of drug policy reform. She’s a strong advocate for harm reduction and has publicly opposed the extradition of publisher and libertarian activist Marc Emery, who awaits extradition to the U.S. on charges related to selling marijuana seeds.
Davies continues to be an advocate in parliament for Emery. On October 2, 2009, in an open letter to Justice Minister Rob Nicholson, Davies wrote:
I write once again to ask that you stop the extradition of Canadian Marc Emery to the United States and allow him to serve his prison sentence in Canada.
Canadian law enforcement officials have for a decade ignored Mr. Emery’s well publicized activities. I have expressed to you on many occasions my vehement opposition to sending Mr. Emery or any Canadian to face harsh punishment in another country when we have agreed as a society that these actions are not worthy of prosecution in Canada. Yet, your government has refused to intervene on Mr. Emery’s behalf and he will now serve a five year prison term in the United States.
It is my understanding that the United States government will allow Mr. Emery to remain in Canada to serve his sentence if the Government of Canada agrees. I therefore urge you to act in best the interest of this Canadian citizen and in the interest of Canadian sovereignty and allow Mr. Emery to serve his sentence in Canada.
I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible on this urgent matter.
While I disagree with Davies more than I agree with her, she has shown courage and intelligence on issues important to libertarians.
NDP leader Jack Layton has also expressed his opposition to the extradition of Marc Emery. You can read his comments here, courtesy of Jacob Hunter.
Posted by Matthew Johnston
Posted by Western Standard on November 9, 2009 | Permalink
Comments
He should have never sold his crappy seed to Americans! Why diid he not keep his shit in Canada? Now he wants to stay in Canada? Bullshit! he sold his illegal shit acroos the border like a pirate and now he should go and pay the piper! Marc is an asshole anyways!
Posted by: What? | 2009-11-09 6:29:02 AM
Like a pirate? Sure. Like Ragnar Danneskjöld.
Posted by: Matthew Johnston | 2009-11-09 6:56:06 AM
I can see Mr. Nicholson reading this letter, crumpling it up, and tossing it into the wastepaper basket on the other side of the room - complete with basketball hoop. Emery is a convicted drug dealer, and no amount of pleading is going to save his ass from hard time. Bless the American justice system for doing what Canada SHOULD have done years ago.
All this letter shows is that the Liberal/NDP/Green Party is soft on crime. She should look out of her limousine window at her riding in BC - it's a drug infested hole.
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2009-11-09 8:12:37 AM
Looks like Matthew is endorsing liberalterianism.
Looking back at my original Western Standard post it appeared that I was criticizing a taxpayer-subsidized junket to research alternative approaches to dealing with prostitution and implicitly mocking what might be regarded as research.
While my own views on decriminalization of drugs and prostitution aren't entirely set in stone, I find some merit in the Swedish model as described by Mark Logan in today's Wash Examiner.
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columns/OpEd-Contributor/Taking-a-Swedish-cue-on-prostitution-8503882-69523472.html
Posted by: Paul Tuns | 2009-11-09 8:16:25 AM
The merit I find in that model is that more women will become missing persons.
If you don't give these men an outlet, a portion of them will abuct, and often murder your children, wives, and girlfriends.
Denying we are sexual beings, driven by sex, is something we ignore far too much in this religiously dominated society.
Beth Nisker
Posted by: Merrill Nisker | 2009-11-09 8:31:12 AM
Liberaltarian? That hurts, Paul. I'm a conservative libertarian. Prostitution bad, prohibition worse -- that kind of thing.
Fair comment, though. Perhaps you should start blogging again for us and expand on your views on these matters. :-)
Posted by: Matthew Johnston | 2009-11-09 8:44:31 AM
Prostitution not bad, mind sets, and exploiters of prostitution bad.
Posted by: Merrill Nisker | 2009-11-09 8:48:21 AM
Beth (Merrill), I not convinced of the "happy hooker" idea. Prostitution seems to have a very negative impact on the prostitute, and entirely divorces sex from love, respect or even basic physical attraction, which can't be healthy for society.
Of course, prohibiting prostitution makes things much more dire for the women involved, and for everyone else.
Posted by: Matthew Johnston | 2009-11-09 9:25:16 AM
MJ: "Prostitution seems to have a very negative impact on the prostitute", < thus my exploitation point. Prostitution not bad in anyway, opportunism bad, and explotation bad, otherwise hooker happy, and very prosperous for what amounts to very little effort in comparison to what others have to do in order to eke out a living.
What does Friedman have to say about this social circumstance?
Your arguments regarding marriage concerns are like those of someone else here regarding marijuana. Who gives anybody the right to decide what is the govenor or how we should govern our persnal affairs? I thought you were for freedom, are you not writng a book about Marc Emery? Does Marc have a similar narrow vision of the perils of the oldest profession on earth?
I do not, or have I ever had to visited a prostitute, but I do see how men leer at my wife, so I believe an outlet for them, good or bad, makes us all that much safer.
Merrill Beth Nisker
Posted by: Merrill Nisker | 2009-11-09 11:15:20 AM
"Who gives anybody the right to decide what is the govenor or how we should govern our persnal affairs?"
Nobody has the right to meddle in private affairs. My only point is that prostitution is not a healthy practice. Don't conclude from that statement that I would support the continued prohibition of prostitution. I don't.
Posted by: Matthew Johnston | 2009-11-09 11:23:54 AM
Ok I will stop being argumentitive. I know you stated you were against prohibition, which means we are on the same page even though we have opposing views slightly. :)
Posted by: Merrill Nisker | 2009-11-09 11:28:50 AM
Marijuana: Less Dangerous Than Aspirin
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2009/11/c.html
Posted by: Free Marc Emery | 2009-11-09 12:01:56 PM
"I can see Mr. Nicholson reading this letter, crumpling it up, and tossing it into the wastepaper basket on the other side of the room - complete with basketball hoop."
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2009-11-09 8:12:37 AM
Fantastic rational discernment regarding what the likely reaction of Heir Nicholson would be after reading Ms. Libby's correspondence. Its no wonder, you are the standard for excellence around here.
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 12:20:24 PM
Zeb we've decided to take away your right to consume red meat seeing as it is both bad for you and the planet.
As a vegetarian administration we don't give a damn about how you feel nor do we care about your fine ability to debate. Its just the way its going to be from now on so shut up and eat your broccoli while continuing your hard tax paying work in order to support of this great society that knows best.
Posted by: David Stewart | 2009-11-09 1:02:52 PM
How credible is Libby Davies? Here she is spouting "9/11 Truth" statements in Parliament. Surely even Emery's supporters can do better than someone like her. She has no credibility.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3r6DK_jTVcA
Emery is a goner for the next few years, entirely by his own actions. Get used to it. I'm happy to see a criminal like him rot.
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2009-11-09 1:52:45 PM
Like a pirate? Sure. Like Ragnar Danneskjöld.
A more appropriate comparison might be Robin Hood, Matthew. His name at least everyone knows.
Posted by: Shane Matthews | 2009-11-09 2:15:30 PM
If you don't give these men an outlet, a portion of them will abuct, and often murder your children, wives, and girlfriends.
What makes you think they won't do it anyway? By the way, children are more at risk of being murdered by their mother than their father. A statistic which, tellingly enough, does not even include abortion.
Posted by: Shane Matthews | 2009-11-09 2:17:18 PM
Speaking of everyone's favourite drug smuggler, when is his next hearing?
Posted by: Shane Matthews | 2009-11-09 2:18:09 PM
"NDP MP Libby Davies has a lot to offer civil libertarians."
Sure she does, and Hitler had a lot to offer the Jews of Germany.
Some propositions are so preposterous they beg for a thorough Godwinning. You're a complete idiot Matthew.
Posted by: Matthew is still a statist | 2009-11-09 2:18:58 PM
Oog, is it necessary for you to contaminate EVERY thread on this site?
Oog piss in punch...
Posted by: Shane Matthews | 2009-11-09 2:28:28 PM
Oog, is it necessary for you to contaminate EVERY thread on this site?
Oog piss in punch...
Posted by: Shane Matthews | 2009-11-09 2:28:28 P
TUBBY, I don't post at every thread, not even 20% of them, but thanks for dogging me and making me remind you that you weigh an astounding 285 lbs.
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 2:42:35 PM
"Zeb we've decided to take away your right to consume red meat seeing as it is both bad for you and the planet."
It's his "right to type" I'm more concerned with ;)
Posted by: Charles | 2009-11-09 2:44:33 PM
"What makes you think they won't do it anyway? By the way, children are more at risk of being murdered by their mother than their father. A statistic which, tellingly enough, does not even include abortion."
Posted by: Shane Matthews | 2009-11-09 2:17:18 PM
Whats your point fatboy? Are you saying legalize prostitution, and take children away from their mother and father. Are you low on B-12 today?
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 2:45:59 PM
It's his "right to type" I'm more concerned with ;)
Posted by: Charles | 2009-11-09 2:44:33 PM
Charles , I am playing nice with you, don't make me poke you in that winking eye.
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 2:47:28 PM
"Charles , I am playing nice with you, don't make me poke you in that winking eye."
Yawn.
Posted by: Charles | 2009-11-09 2:50:27 PM
I'm happy to see a criminal like him rot.
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2009-11-09 1:52:45 PM
You are on the outside, and it appears from your demeanor that life is more rotten for you because of the mental prison you have created. Who is worse off in the long run Marc, or you, who has no release date?
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 2:55:01 PM
"Yawn."
Posted by: Charles | 2009-11-09 2:50:27 PM
Isn't that the street signal for "want some head"?
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 2:56:23 PM
I'm much better off than Emery - which goes without saying. Unlike him, I can leave my home and go for a walk. That's real liberty for you.
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2009-11-09 2:58:18 PM
Matthew:NDP MP Libby Davies has a lot to offer civil libertarians."
"Sure she does, and Hitler had a lot to offer the Jews of Germany."
"Some propositions are so preposterous they beg for a thorough Godwinning. You're a complete idiot Matthew."
Posted by: Matthew is still a statist | 2009-11-09 2:18:58 PM
Is Matthew an idiot, or does libby's record speak for itself and therefor support matthews claims?
Libby Davies:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libby_Davies
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 3:03:11 PM
I'm much better off than Emery - which goes without saying. Unlike him, I can leave my home and go for a walk. That's real liberty for you.
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2009-11-09 2:58:18 PM
I guess you can't comprehend from reading or reflect. Once he's out he is free, but you will be still locked away in your self imposed dungeon.
You cannot apply for a pardon until you learn to understand where you are.
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 3:07:09 PM
But if I do drugs, I'll wind up like him. How is that liberation?
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2009-11-09 3:12:28 PM
But if I do drugs, I'll wind up like him. How is that liberation?
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2009-11-09 3:12:28 PM
Multi millions do drugs of all types and do not "end up like him". Your concerns are unfounded if the odds are what dictates risk for you.
I guess I live in some type of psueudo libertarian utopia afterall.
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 3:30:52 PM
Pike,
Your use of circular logic never ceases to amaze. You can't use the fact that something is illegal to argue that something should be illegal.
Posted by: Charles | 2009-11-09 3:51:39 PM
Where's the circular logic? Emery does and sells drugs, he's in jail. I do neither and I'm free. That's rather straightforward, unless of course the accuser is on drugs.
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2009-11-09 4:17:23 PM
"Where's the circular logic? Emery does and sells drugs"
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2009-11-09 4:17:23 PM
Zeb is correct Charles ,it is not circular logic because what he said here is not based on truth or fact, therefor nothing logical exists.;)
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 4:39:00 PM
Some in here ask from time to time how Marc is doing, why not see for yourself, and keep track of him and David Malmo-levine at their cannibas culutrure blog site.
cannabisculture.com/v2/blog/8
Duelling Perspectives on Religious Schools
Friday, November 6 2009
Tags: government funding Marc Emery Schools
This letter I wrote about funding for religious schools was published in the Vancouver Sun.
Re: Should the public fund religious schools?, Oct. 31
The question posed by columnist Douglas Todd -- Should the public fund religious schools?"-- is the wrong question and leads to false conclusions.
The questions ought to be, Should parents be able to send children to a school of their choosing with the money the government seizes as taxation? And why is government running any school system?
Let parents direct the money they earn to a quality school in an independent educational marketplace and end the government tax-monopoly.
Marc Emery
Leader, BC Marijuana Party, North Fraser Pretrial Centre,
Port Coquitlam
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 4:55:24 PM
How To Send Me Mail
Thursday, October 29 2009
Tags: Canada Free Marc Emery Marc Emery No Extradition prison
I want to thank everyone who has been sending me mail and books while I'm here at North Fraser Pretrial. Unfortunately, I'm still not getting a lot of my mail due to inappropriate content, missing return addresses, and other silly things like included illegal Post-It notes or staples.
Here is a brief podcast about how to send me mail properly and my shout-out of thank-yous to those who have been able to get through!
Marc Emery
CS #06032080
1451 Kingsway Avenue
Port Coquitlam, BC
V3C 1S2
Canada
You must include a return address on all mail.
Any mail including the following items will be considered contraband by the guards who read the mail, and will be returned to you at your cost!
Stickers, labels, tape & correction fluid(white-out), post it notes
Anything glued on (including cards and glitter glue)
Stamps, envelopes, writing paper, lottery tickets
Polaroid photos, photo albums, revealing photos & inappropriate material ie. Marijuana leaf, logos
Musical Cards
Address books, calendars
Hardcover books, magazines, newspapers, crossword puzzles, etc. (exception: NEW soft cover books ordered online from www.chapters.indigo.ca or directly couriered from publisher or photo copied.)
Paperclips, staples, pins
Feathers, dried flowers, etc.
Jewelery
Telephone calling cards, plastic cards, laminated items
Pencils, pens, sharp objects
Excessive perfume, lipstick etc.
Scanned positive for an illegal substance
Unknown Substance
Unknown sender
Unknown senders
Court ordered No Contact
Ideas of what you can send Marc!
Soft covered books ordered ONLY from www.chapters.indigo.ca
Letters telling Marc what you are currently doing to support him
Photos of you with your FREE MARC EMERY t-shirt
Photos of you actively supporting Marc
Posted by: SEND MARC MAIL | 2009-11-09 5:01:24 PM
Marc does not have a wish list at Chapters.ca. Without a list, what book could a person pick for a man as deep and as well read as Marc?
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 5:13:25 PM
I am guessing he would have read more than once Voltaires "Candide", what are som other very intersting books he might like to read?
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 5:41:45 PM
Pike,
Simply breaking the law does not make someone deserving of jail or of rotting. The existence of a law is not proof of its validity nor justifies the imprisonnement of those who violate the law.
Posted by: Charles | 2009-11-09 6:04:16 PM
A Poem by Marc Scott Emery
"Nowhere Man
Wednesday, October 14 2009
Nowhere Man (With apologies to Lennon and McCartney)
Imagine life without cannabis,
that's life here.
Imagine life without music,
that's life here.
Imagine life without fresh food,
that's life here.
Imagine life without any privacy,
that's life here.
Imagine life without any sex,
that's life here.
Imagine life in only red pants and a red shirt,
that's life here.
Imagine life in a 8 by 10 foot concrete cell,
that's life here.
Imagine never touching the sun's rays,
that's life here.
Imagine life without being with any one you know,
that's life here.
Imagine being hungry every waking hour,
that's life here.
Imagine life without love,
that's life here.
Imagine never seeing a grape or a peach or a tomato,
that's life here.
Imagine changing linens threadbare once every ten days,
that's life here."
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 6:18:33 PM
Listen up deadbeats! I sent Marc 5 works from Chapters.ca, Socrates dialogues, Plato, Voltaire's Candide, Publilius Syrus, and others, do something thoughtful, send him something interesting to read, paperbacks are very inexpensive.
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 6:31:38 PM
Zebulon Pike, I'd rather be in prison than be in your shoes. How can you call yourself free when you live in such bondage to bigotry? Marc Emery knows more about freedom than you may ever know. It seems to me that Mark is loved by many more people than love you, which would put him in a much better place, socially speaking.
Posted by: douglas | 2009-11-09 6:36:08 PM
Wow, it didn't take long for jail to change Emery. Oh wait, he has always been that pathetic.
Anyone who sends stuff to Emery will probably end up in a police database. This would only be a problem for those not already there.
Oh word to the wise: Chapters service SUCKS! The last time I ordered from them in 2000-2001 I waited for six months. They're the worst.
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2009-11-09 6:46:22 PM
"Anyone who sends stuff to Emery will probably end up in a police database"
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2009-11-09 6:46:22 PM
Why would it matter if the pig cops know that I sent him 5 books? Sending him 5 books equals guilt by association of what exactly? If the pig cops policed like your feeble mind believes they do, then would they not sit out side the thoudands of grow stores operating daily, and follow people home, Idiot! Do you know why they don't? because they would be out of a job.
Dont let this 285 pound coward let you feel fearful of sending Marc Emery a book or something acceptable to him in prison, its fear mongering by mr. one trick pony.
If Marc is not released by Xmas, then I will send him some more reading material, all the way until the date of his release.
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 7:05:13 PM
"Oh word to the wise: Chapters service SUCKS! The last time I ordered from them in 2000-2001 I waited for six months. They're the worst.
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2009-11-09 6:46:22 PM"
That's about right, Zebulon Shane is using 9 year old information, based on one incident to try and totally discredit this companies competency regarding shipping.
I guess we should take his word for it that they are the worst, thanks old buddy for the good advice.
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 7:13:17 PM
I can think of one thing Emery could use in jail. A rope. Imagine his lifeless body dangling silently in his cell, eyes popped out, tongue hanging out. It wouldn't be a pretty sight, and his family would be in mourning (except his wife who would be very angry at not having a penny left since he ruined the drug business). But the upside is that he would be a true martyr for his cause - namely, himself. For the majority, he's just more proof that drugs ruin lives.
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2009-11-09 9:38:12 PM
"Imagine his lifeless body dangling silently in his cell, eyes popped out, tongue hanging out. It wouldn't be a pretty sight"
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2009-11-09 9:38:12 PM
I realize nobody loves or admires anything about you, but is it necessary to project your misery here. Shouldn't you get help if cammando knives and imagining peoples tongues hanging out from strangulation is what floats your boat?
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-09 10:00:22 PM
"Pig cops", Lou? I have heard this expression only from some people who were caught breaking the law. What did the "pig cops" catch you doing?
Posted by: Nothing New Under the Sun | 2009-11-10 7:08:41 AM
"Pig cops", Lou? I have heard this expression only from some people who were caught breaking the law. What did the "pig cops" catch you doing"
I learned that expression as a kid in the 70's,...probably form the rockford files or something and the reason I used it is to show I have absoulutely no fear about who my ligeantia's are.
FREE MARC EMERY
Posted by: Lou | 2009-11-10 7:22:30 AM
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