Pubdate: Fri, 24 Mar 2000 Source: Herald Sun (Australia) Copyright: News Limited 2000 Contact: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ Author: Clive Billington GLOVES OFF ON DRUGS WHY do government and other agencies insist on liaising with other countries such as America, Switzerland and the Netherlands when seeking a solution on dealing with Australia's drug problem? It would make more sense to deal with countries that are having the greater success - China, Malaysia, Singapore. It is said that you need to be cruel to be kind. So start in Melbourne with a bus picking up the obvious drug addicts and taking them out to the countryside where there is a kibbutz-style establishment staffed by doctors, nurses and social workers. There they should receive therapy in many forms. For example, transactional analysis, productive work and discipline - for discipline leads to self-discipline. They should be kept there until they have a better attitude and more productive lifestyle. On the other side of the coin, drug dealers should be charged with murder and attempted murder. When a victim is found dead in the streets, a hypodermic needle alongside the body, a life has been taken as surely as someone had shot them. These purveyors of death should go to prison, but not a three-star prison with TV, good meals, recreation and rights. It should more akin to an Asian or Chinese-style prison, staffed by guards who don't know about kid-glove treatment. If you disagree, don't worry. It will not happen. I am convinced that whoever controls the opium controls the outcome, and since they are not concerned about your children, parents, you've got a problem. Clive Billington, Mildura - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D