I am happy to report that today's rally on
Parliament Hill was one of the more successful
pot protests held here in recent years. Key
organizer and medical exemptee Don Appleby looked
tired but pleased at the turnout. During the past
few weeks, Don has juggled hospital visits with
organizing today's event. An estimated five to
seven hundred protesters basked in the warm sun,
smoked cannabis and listened to speeches from
medicinal marijuana exemptees Rob Brown, Johnny
Dupuis and Rick Reimer (who is currently
challenging impaired driving charges based upon
his cannabis use).
Eugene
Oscapella from the Canadian Foundation for Drug
Policy also addressed the crowd.
Federal Health Minister McLellan and Justice
Minister Cauchon did not come to speak, though
they were invited by Mr. Reimer to do so.
A handful of RCMP officer watched over the
proceedings but the cameras that had filmed
previous events were not apparent this time.
Congratulations and thank you to all involved in
staging this event.
A special thanks goes out to Greg and Bruce from
Doozy Candle and Hemp Solution for their
invaluable assistance in postering the city over
the past few days and for drumming up musicians
to play at the event.
Mike Foster
Crosstown Traffic
Ottawa
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