Pubdate: Tue, 25 Mar 2008 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2008 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Author: Peggy Bran TOUGH STANCE NEEDED ON DRUGS When can we expect to open our papers in the morning and not be bombarded by stories of the drug-addicted and homeless? The homeless and addicted individuals in the area amount to a handful of people when you consider the total population. These are people who have opted out of mainstream living. Needle exchanges and safe injection sites will not help them reclaim their lives. These people get their money for drugs from panhandling and crime, so don't expect downtown to become safe and friendly until these individuals are removed completely. Providing safe injection sites and needle exchange programs is aiding and abetting a crime. Politicians should be in the business of reducing crime, not participating in it. Unless we provide free drugs, put the drug addicts and pushers in jail. Those with mental illness issues belong in hospitals, where they can receive the help they need. Anything else is a waste of taxpayers' money and encouragement for every addict across the country to end up on our doorstep. Peggy Bran, Duncan - --- MAP posted-by: Derek