Americans shocked Harper crime bill gives more time to pot growers than pedohiles

Tough-on-crime Americans are shocked our new omnibus crime bill gives more jail time to pot growers than pedophiles.

Care2, a large online social action network with almost 17 million followers, posted a blog Thursday about one of the more peculiar elements of the legislation.

Writer Cathryn Wellner picked up on a story from the Vancouver Province that reported under the bill a person growing 201 pot plants in a rental unit would receive a longer mandatory sentence than someone who sexually assaults a toddler.

"If you're contemplating a life of crime in Canada, now is the time to switch from growing marijuana plants to preying on children," wrote Wellner.

"After years of having his crime bills defeated by the opposition, Stephen Harper is on the verge of getting his revenge. Never mind that the crime rate has been steadily dropping. Forget the failed experiment in tougher sentencing in the U.S., where the cost of incarceration is so great even conservatives are calling for reform.

"Harper promised to get tough on crime, and he plans to keep his word even if the social and economic costs far outweigh the benefits."

Readers of the article were just as unkind to our prime minister as Wellner.

"That's rediculously (sic) stupid. it proves how incompitent (sic) people can be. Raping someone is far worse than having a smoke," commented Averie K. from Sioux City, Iowa. "I'm not for marijuana, but I'm far more against rapists!"

"Learn from Amerika's (sic) mistakes! Don't do this! You will run your country into the ground!!!!!!!!" wrote Britin J. from Anchorage, Alaska.

And finally, Victoria M. from Poulsbo Washington, kept her comment simple and to the point.

"Idiocy," she wrote.

(Getty Images)