Pubdate: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 Source: Canberra Times (Australia) Copyright: 1999 Canberra Times Contact: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/ Source: Canberra Times (Australia) Author: Clem Colman YOU CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS Scott Rowell of the Australian Federal Poice Association in the article headed 'Safety' of drug rooms doubted' (CT, December 11, p. C4) makes some rather inconsistent points about the problem of illegal drug abuse, including one relating to users not being the real victims of the drug problem. He is right that drug users do make a decision to use these drugs. However, the only ethical justification for prohibition is that people need to be protected from themselves', that is, are incapable of making a rational decision on the matter. Which is it to be Scott? Your members can't argue it both ways. CLEM COLMAN Weston - --- MAP posted-by: Eric Ernst