Saturday's warm welcome, arranged by Emery's supporters, comes in
stark contrast to his visit to Calgary in 2003 when Emery was arrested
for marijuana possession.
"It's nice to feel wanted, especially given last time," he said.
Emery is in Calgary to show his support for medical marijuana crusader
Grant Krieger, raise awareness of his extradition proceedings and
raise money for looming court battles.
Emery has been arrested 22 times on marijuana-related offences and
jailed 17 times. He now faces a U.S. extradition hearing on Nov. 5.
for selling thousands of marijuana seeds to Americans through his
Internet business.
About 40 people gathered to hear Emery speak at a rally outside
Calgary City Hall Saturday.
"We are hunted down like dogs, like animals," he said.
"Why should someone like Grant Krieger who wants to see sick and dying
people get marijuana go to jail?"
Krieger, who has multiple sclerosis, is on bail after he was convicted
of drug trafficking in March. The Calgary man had sent two packages of
marijuana to people with similar afflictions in Manitoba.
Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier, who often gives out white hats to
distinguished visitors, said anyone could be white-hatted by any
Calgarian if they go out and buy the hat.
"Just because white hats are available for sale, it doesn't mean
everyone should get one," he said.
Meanwhile, chairman of the board of directors of Calgary Tourism, Lorn
Sheehan, said Calgary should show hospitality to a broad range of
people.
"If you white-hat absolutely terrible people, it could devalue (the
practice)," he said. "But if this man is walking the streets, he can't
be that terrible."
Calgary Herald
