Pubdate: Tue, 29 Nov 2005
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Eleanor Randell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)

COMPASSION, NOT COMPULSION, FOR ADDICTS

Re: "Attack heroin addiction through compulsory detox," Nov. 27.

Well, well, well, hasn't David Staples had a lovely career because 
heroin is illegal! He has the cart before the horse -- people become 
criminals because they break a law. Prohibition is an asinine law. We 
as a free society have the right to put what we choose into our own bodies.

The situation in the U.K. regarding today's addicts has nothing to do 
with the fact that the government doctors gave heroin to the one 
hundred or so addicts who were the products of the Second World War. 
Withdrawing access was the beginning of today's problems because the 
addict is prevented from getting a safe, clean supply of his drug of 
choice. We can buy tobacco and alcohol and Aspirin at a licensed 
store. Why the discrepancy?

If we have empty wards at the hospital, perhaps they would be better 
used to house the homeless. Provide compassionate detox facilities to 
those who choose to avail themselves.

Just as alcohol is not a problem for more than 90 per cent of users, 
neither would heroin be if it didn't have to be purchased on the black market.

To suggest compulsory treatment for anything tells me that Staples, 
in spite of his career in service to the public, has a very poor 
understanding of human nature.

Eleanor Randell,

Saanich.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman