Pubdate: Wed, 30 May 2007 Source: National Post (Canada) Copyright: 2007 Southam Inc. Contact: http://www.nationalpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n657/a10.html Author: Gillian Maxwell 'INSITE IS SAVING LIVES' You are correct that harm reduction is not a panacea for the health and crime issues associated with illegal drugs. Indeed, many of the harms we associate with illegal drugs -- organized crime, HIV, destabilized governments in Afghanistan and Colombia-- stem from drug prohibition, not drugs themselves. Thus, it is worrisome to see the National Post aligning itself with Stephen Harper's push to follow the U.S.'s failed drug war rather than supporting effective policies based on principles of public health and human rights. Gillian Maxwell, chairwoman, Keeping the Door Open: Dialogues on Drug Use, Vancouver. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake