Pubdate: Mon, 21 Jul 2008
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2008 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Marko Ivancicevic

DRUG USERS NEED TREATMENT

I am already sick and tired with the hoopla surrounding the issue of
Barenaked Ladies singer Steven Page being arrested for possession of
cocaine. While I disagree with the use of cocaine, I understand from a
humanist point of view why people use cocaine.

Instead of attacking the person who is using it, why not be supportive
and offer help.

I would rather see him go through counselling and deal with the root
causes of his cocaine use, than to see him in jail for up to 15 years
in a U.S. prison.

This situation exposes the major problem with the U.S. "War on
Drugs."

In today's society, we should be beyond throwing people in prison for
drug use. We should focus on helping the people and not criminalizing
them.

Marko Ivancicevic, Toronto
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake