Pubdate: Tue, 25 Jun 2013
Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 The Abbotsford Times
Contact:  http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009
Author: Greg Lanning
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n258/a06.html

DRUG INJECTION SITES ARE NOT ILLEGAL

Editor, the Times:

Re: Times, June 6, Preventing needle exchange was right

Gerda Peachey mistakenly believes that "we" (herself?) are "talking" 
about "illegal drug use" in a regard to a safe drug injection site 
suggested for Abbotsford.

Actually, the recent decision of the Supreme Court of Canada, our 
final voice on what is legal, specifically protected an injection 
site in downtown Vancouver and, by extension, in other similar places.

Ironically, what is truly illegal now is blanket denial of drug 
injection sites.

Such denial violates the Charter, our highest law.

As a complete generality, it is now false that all drug use is illegal.

Like some other people, Ms. Peachey puts her faith in "abstinence" 
(which didn't work during Prohibition).

Yet, demand for abstinence may be what medieval theologians called "a 
counsel of perfection".

It would be perfect if all people at all times could resist drugs - 
but human beings are flawed, not perfect. St. Paul recognized that 
"the spirit is strong but the flesh is weak."

Greg Lanning Abbotsford
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom