Pubdate: Sat, 12 Aug 2000
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2000 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact:  1355 Mountain Avenue, Winnipeg Manitoba R2X 3B6
Fax: (204) 697-7288
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Author: Shane V. Dzioba

DRUG ARTICLE MUDDIES WATER

Articles such as Ecstasy -- drug world's rising star (Aug. 6) make it 
difficult to impart objective information about the actual risks of Ecstasy 
to users who have been numbed by the hype and who consequently resist any 
cautionary information, regardless of the source. The editorial from the 
publication New Scientist (Jan. 25, 1997) put it most eloquently:

"It seems pretty clear that the short-term dangers [of Ecstasy] are not as 
great as media and many public figures portray them. Ecstasy takers know 
this, and become understandably cynical about warnings issued by those in 
authority. Trust disappears -- another victim of panic. It would be far 
better to present an honest assessment of the risks and benefits of illegal 
drugs and maintain the trust without which any influence over young people 
is impossible."

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to ferret out the truth. It is, 
however, the media's responsibility to aid in that task, not to make it 
more difficult.

SHANE V. DZIOBA, Winnipeg
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