Pubdate: Wed, 21 Aug 2002
Source: Vancouver Courier (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 Vancouver Courier
Contact:  http://www.vancourier.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/474
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1435/a06.html
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1519/a05.html
Author: Alan Randell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)

'OUTSIDERS' HAVE SAY IN DRUG POLICY

To the editor:

Joe Chaput wrote ("Outsider glib about drug problems," Letters, Aug. 14) to 
disparage a letter of mine wherein I chided the Courier for failing to 
mention that prostitutes and drug dealing on the street only happens 
because the government prohibits prostitution and drugs. Mr. Chaput feels I 
was "glib" about these problems because I don't live in the area.

My 19-year-old son died in 1993 from the effects of street heroin and, 
since that awful day, my wife and I have been working hard to persuade the 
public and the politicians that drug prohibition causes more problems than 
if the drugs were legal. Peter died in Burnaby, across the water from our 
home. Why the hell would I feel glib about the harm inflicted by 
prohibition on ANY neighbourhood?

But forget all that. Why is a comment from outside your community out of 
line? How does Mr. Chaput know that readers from other areas do not have 
the best interests of your community at heart?

Alan Randell, Victoria
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