Pubdate: Tue, 01 May 2012
Source: Chilliwack Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Chilliwack Times
Contact:  http://www.chilliwacktimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1357
Author: Randy Marsh

WASTED DOLLARS ON LOST DRUG WAR

Editor:

During his Summit of Americas speech Stephen Harper clearly stated 
that the current drug policy is not working. He then admitted that he 
does not know what could work. Meanwhile, his party pushes for drug 
policy modelled in the direction of the most criticized and failed 
policy in the world. The Conservatives also tried hard to shut down 
the only proven Canadian harm reduction program, InSite. In the 
Supreme Court the Conservatives lost to the clear benefits of helping 
addicts get better instead of punishing them. Sadly, the millions of 
tax dollars spent trying to shut down InSite could have been saved, 
if only the Conservatives first considered the robust evidence. The 
wasted dollars on a lost drug war should be reason enough for 
Conservatives ears to open when the world is asking for a mature 
debate on how to reduce drug related crime. Instead, Stephen Harper 
stands in front of the world and tells them he does not know what to 
do-a clear indication that the Conservatives aren't yet qualified to 
be changing the current laws.

Randy Marsh

Chilliwack
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