Pubdate: Fri, 30 Dec 2011
Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU)
Copyright: 2011 Canwest Publishing Inc.
Contact: http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/letters.html
Website: http://www.montrealgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/274
Author: Lorraine Hodgson
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n742/a05.html

SAFE-INJECTION SITES: YES OR NO?

Re: "Injection sites our moral imperative"  (Gazette, Dec. 29).

Henry Aubin thinks we have a moral imperative to help those who, by 
using illegal drugs, are criminals, by providing them with a safe, 
warm place staffed by a nurse to commit their illegal act. 
Additionally, the Supreme Court of Canada determined that "life, 
liberty and security of the person"  trumps enforcement of anti-drug laws.

Nice to know that criminals are so well protected. It would be nice 
if law-abiding citizens were as well taken care of. I guess "life, 
liberty and security of the person"  doesn't apply to the many 
mentally ill citizens who can't get appointments with psychiatrists 
or psychologists for months. How about those who can't afford the 
legal drugs to help keep them on balance and able to contribute to 
society? How about our schools, which are crying for guidance 
counsellors and therapists to help children in need? How about the 
current shortage of subsidized housing for the poor and elderly?

While we do have a moral imperative to help those in need, I would 
rather our moral imperative not be spent on helping criminals 
continue breaking the law in a safe, warm and supervised environment.

Lorraine Hodgson

Montreal
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