Pubdate: Tue, 10 Aug 1999
Source: Daily Telegraph (Australia)
Copyright: News Limited 1999
Contact:  http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/
Author: Ken Sheedy

FLAWED MESSAGE ON CHOICE AND DRUG USE

IS IT just me? How can the State Government make it legal for people
to go to a place and administer an illegal substance?

The Government and some lobby groups put forward the argument that if
people have a safe place to go to inject drugs then this will somehow
reduce the number of addicts on the streets and drug-related crime.

Let’s get something straight. Life is about choice.

Nobody forces you to take drugs, that is something you choose to do.
If you commit a crime to get money to buy drugs that is something you
choose to do. The Government has now made the choice easier.

I am a former alcoholic, who has been sober for nine years. It has not
been easy to stay sober. Life does not always deal you good cards but
I do the best with what I get.  I could give it all away tomorrow and
drink again but I chose not to.

KEN SHEEDY
South Gloucester
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