Pubdate: Mon, 30 Jan 2017
Source: Medicine Hat News (CN AB)
Copyright: 2017 Alberta Newspaper Group, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.medicinehatnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1833
Author: Dr. Gifford Jones
Column: Doctor Game
Page: B1

I'LL PAY THE MINISTER OF HEALTH $1,500 FOR AN APPOINTMENT

Why would I want to pay $1,500 to have a meeting with the federal
minister of health (MOH)? It's because of the old saying, "What's good
for the goose is good for the gander." High profile people gain access
to Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, by paying $1,500. I'm
sure this fee isn't just to talk about the weather! So why can't I
make a similar offer to the MOH? And also pay a similar amount to the
Minister of Justice (MOJ)?

Due to my Scottish heritage, spending money this way isn't an easy
decision. But I hate to see taxpayer waste and political hypocrisy.
And I've already asked to interview the MOH. I was advised she's too
busy. So why is it so important to me to meet her?

Today, health officials spend millions of dollars of taxpayer money to
open more injection sites for addicts. I believe this to be a
horrendous blunder. It's also hypocrisy that addicts, who usually
cause their own destruction, are getting more attention and priority
than those who face agonizing death, due to no fault of their own.

While you're reading this column, terminally ill patients in agony are
being denied Medical Aid in Death (MAID). Some hospitals, funded by
taxpayers, refuse to provide this now legal humanitarian act. Surely
since the MOH is a physician, she must be aware of human suffering in
the last hours of life.

I'd gladly pay another $1,500 to meet the Minister of Justice (MOJ).
After all, the current opioid epidemic is a double-edged sword
involving both ministries. It's a major cancer in our society that if
left unchecked will have huge financial and societal costs.

This epidemic has been years in the making in North America. And
politicians and do-gooders are creating a multi-million dollar
bureaucracy to take on the continuing care of tens of thousands of
addicts. It's like throwing a rug over a roaring fire hoping it will
burn out. It won't happen.

So is there a solution? Of course there's one, but you need intestinal
fortitude to carry it out. Several years ago I flew to Singapore.
Prior to landing I was given a small card with a message that I've
never forgotten. It read, "Death to Drug Traffickers under Singapore
Law."

Lee Kuan Yew, prime minister of Singapore, had decided to rid the
country of illegal drugs. He knew there was no point in showing your
teeth if you were not prepared to bite. His big bite was to hang
illicit drug traffickers. They quickly got his message.

I find it interesting that in all the hue and cry from politicians and
law enforcement agencies about opioid addiction no one has recommended
a similar sentence for drug pushers. Ones who often sell their deadly
illegal drugs in full sight of authorities.

I've also never forgotten the two words that Singapore officials used
about North American society. They accused it of being "Irresponsibly
Permissive." They got it right.

So when I offer $1,500 to both the MOH and the MOJ you know exactly
why I want a meeting. It won't be about the weather, or for personal
gain. Rather, to remind the MOH that The Supreme Court of Canada has
already ruled that dying patients have the legal right to seek MAID.
And that as MOH she should ensure that all those who wish it have
access to it. And that hospitals that close their doors to MAID
patients should lose public funding.

Will I lose my money? Hell will freeze over before either minister
will let me in the door. Will drug traffickers in Canada have to worry
about being hanged? Not a chance. In North America there is no Lee
Kuan Yew. And our society will suffer severe and long-lasting
consequences because of it.

I wish I had a more optimistic outlook on this issue. But unless
politicians take a firm stand on those who push illegal drugs we will
see a medical tsunami that bodes ill for our country.

So what do readers think? I'll publish your remarks.
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MAP posted-by: Matt