Pubdate: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 Source: Fort Saskatchewan Record, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2002 The Fort Saskatchewan Record Contact: http://www.fortsaskatchewanrecord.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/824 Author: Jack Kindred NOTHING SAFE ABOUT 'SAFE SITES' I am having a problem rationalizing an impending national drug strategy that will see drug addicts furnished with "safe injection sites" in major cities across Canada. A special all-party parliamentary committee has recommended just that. In fact, the proposal is high on its list of priorities. And to make matters worse, the proposal includes provision for the administration of hard drugs at these sites to some addicts. For what it's worth, This has to be the most bone-headed recommendation I have heard in the substantial number of years I have been on this earth. Our elected leaders are now going to provide a warm place for druggies to shoot up. No more ducking into dark alleys, running the risk of being mugged by other druggies who want their stash. The drug scene is a culture all its own. It is a culture steeped in crime, plunder of the innocent. I refuse to accept the argument addiction is a disease. As I see it, addiction of any kind is a way of life that begins with a choice. Those who choose this lifestyle should not be recipients of free drugs and Why should Canadian taxpayers pay for wrong choices? Drug addicts chose to chart a wrong course for their lives, they need to choose to get clean. Committee members I have heard on the news and talk shows admit prevention is not high on the list of priorities. Safe injection sites do nothing to address crime before and after a fix. To the majority of drug addicts, they will be nothing more than a place to go for a free fix. I fail to see what is so 'safe' about these proposed sites. There seems to be more concern for the druggie than there is for Joe Public. What about the drinking establishments who now have some responsibilities for the condition of their patrons when they leave? These so-called "safe injection sites" are doing exactly what bars aren't supposed to do -- get their patrons so drunk they leave in blotto land. Are these sites to provide designated drivers or confiscate vehicle keys to protect the innocent public? Society is already paying in a hefty price for the out-of-control drug culture in this country. Safe injection sites will not minimize the problem one bit and they will do little to keep tossed drug paraphernalia out of harm's reach. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom