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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom