Pubdate: Fri, 17 Dec 2004 Source: Kelowna Capital News (CN BC) Copyright: 2004, West Partners Publishing Ltd. Contact: http://www.kelownacapnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1294 Author: M. Bernard Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) MIXED MESSAGE IN CRYSTAL METH ARTICLE To the editor: A few comments on your Dec. 5 front page story entitled Crystal Death. I believe the article was poorly written and gave a rather confused, mixed message. On the one hand, it points out the "desirable elements" of crystal meth, while on the other hand it documents its destructive elements. It purports to be a warning, while at the same time providing convenient information on where to get the chemicals and recipes needed to make speed. Even the front-page photo leads one to wonder is that real meth or faked and, if it is real where did your news staff get it? The police? The OUC nurses? Or was it purchased illegally by your reporter? Some might conclude the latter and be encouraged to do the same. Finally, why the reluctance of your reporter and the nursing staff to come right out and say, "Don't take street drugs of any kind?" Rather, you end the article with an indecisive quote of, "=85if you are going to take drugs, please don't take this one." What kind of a message is that? Why are some people quick to declare that tobacco use is dangerous to your health and wrong, and state it in no uncertain terms, yet stop short of saying the same thing about drugs? One more closing comment, I know from first-hand experience that speed use in the 1960s and '70s was every bit as dangerous as it is now. Back then, in Ontario where it was widely used, it was commonly injected, and as highly addictive as it is today. Many of those who survived its use are still suffering the long term mental and physical consequences. There's nothing recreational about that. Youth today need to hear a consistent and decisive message from the government, the press, medical professionals, parents and teachers, and that message is that unprescribed drug use is dangerous and wrong. If we really believe this, come out and say it. If we don't believe this, then maybe we should let someone who's fully convinced write the articles so the message is clear. M. Bernard Kelowna - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin